Module 4 Anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and PGD (Set B) - MAIN SET

What is anxiety (DSM-based definition)?

Anticipation of a future threat, often involving muscle tension and vigilance.

What is fear in clinical psychology?

An emotional response to a real or perceived immediate threat (fight-or-flight).

What physiological responses are common in anxiety disorders?

Muscle tension, increased arousal, vigilance, and sympathetic nervous system activation (fight-or-flight).

What distinguishes anxiety disorders from normal anxiety?

Fear is excessive, persistent, and causes functional impairment.

What does comorbidity mean?

The presence of two or more disorders occurring simultaneously.

Which gender is more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders?

Women (e.g., women are ~2x more likely to have GAD).

What defines a specific phobia?

A persistent and irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Why is a phobic fear considered irrational?

The feared stimulus poses little or no actual danger.

What differentiates a phobia from a normal fear?

The fear is excessive, persistent, avoided or endured with distress, and causes impairment.

What response must almost always occur in specific phobia?

Immediate fear or anxiety upon exposure.

 What is a common behavioral response in phobias?

Avoidance or endurance with intense fear.

What is the minimum duration for diagnosing a phobia?

Six months.

Why are clinicians cautious about diagnosing phobias in children?

Excessive fears are developmentally common.

What are common examples of specific phobias?

Heights (acrophobia), closed spaces (claustrophobia), blood (hemophobia), flying (aerophobia).

How many phobias do people typically have?

On average, three.

What are common causes of specific phobias?

Trauma, observing trauma, hearing about trauma — or no clear cause.

What is the core fear in social anxiety disorder?

Fear of being embarrassed, judged, or negatively evaluated in social situations.

How is social anxiety different from shyness?

Social anxiety causes avoidance, distress, and functional impairment.

How does social anxiety disorder impair functioning?

It leads to avoidance and social/work impairment.

What physical symptoms may accompany social anxiety?

Nausea, panic symptoms, trembling, and poor eye contact.

How long must social anxiety symptoms persist?

At least six months.

What behaviors do individuals with social anxiety often engage in?

Avoidance of social situations or enduring them with intense fear.

What defines a panic attack?

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks + worry about future attacks and/or avoidance.

How long do panic attacks usually last?

Several minutes (short-lived but intense).

What age group most commonly develops panic disorder?

Early adulthood (median age: 20–24).

What distinguishes panic disorder from isolated panic attacks?

Recurrent attacks plus worry or avoidance.

What is anticipatory anxiety?

Fear of having future panic attacks.

What is agoraphobia?

 Fear of public places due to panic concerns.

When does panic disorder typically develop?

Early adulthood.

What comorbidities are common with panic disorder?

Depression, substance abuse, and social isolation.

What is the hallmark of GAD?

Excessive uncontrollable worry.

How long must worry persist for GAD diagnosis?

At least 6 months.

How many additional symptoms are required for GAD?

At least three.

What are common GAD symptoms?

Restlessness, fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, muscle tension, sleep disturbance.

How do individuals with GAD often describe their anxiety?

Longstanding or lifelong or “I’ve been anxious my whole life.”

Why is GAD functionally impairing?

Worry consumes time and energy.

Why are antidepressants used for anxiety disorders?

Mood neurotransmitters also regulate anxiety.

What is the goal of psychotherapy for anxiety?

To reduce anxiety and increase control.

Why is exposure therapy effective for GAD?

 It reduces avoidance and promotes habituation.

How does reducing caffeine help anxiety?

It lowers physiological arousal.

How does exercise help anxiety disorders?

It improves stress regulation and reduces tension.

Why is stress management important for GAD?

Chronic stress worsens anxiety symptoms.

What are obsessions in OCD?

Recurrent, intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges.

What are compulsions in OCD?

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety.

How are compulsions related to feared outcomes?

They are not logically connected.

How much time must OCD symptoms occupy?

At least one hour per day or cause impairment.

What is a major clinical concern in OCD?

Increased suicide risk. ~50% report suicidal thoughts; ~25% attempt.

Do people with OCD recognize their thoughts as irrational?

Often yes, but insight can vary; some may be delusional.

What conditions commonly co-occur with OCD?

Tic disorders (especially in childhood-onset OCD).

What defines body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

 Preoccupation with a minor or imagined physical flaw.

What behaviors are common in BDD?

Mirror checking, skin picking, reassurance seeking.

Why does cosmetic surgery not cure BDD?

The core issue is psychological, not physical.

What is required for PTSD diagnosis?

Exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.

What are the four PTSD symptom clusters?

Intrusion, avoidance, cognition/mood, arousal.

How long must PTSD symptoms last?

More than one month.

What are common intrusion symptoms?

Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, distress to reminders.

What are common arousal symptoms?

Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle, irritability, and sleep disturbance.

Who has the highest PTSD prevalence?

Survivors of r*pe, combat, captivity, and genocide.

Who is at increased risk for PTSD?

Women, those with prior trauma.

What treatments are effective for PTSD?

Exposure therapy, CBT for PTSD, EMDR, and narrative exposure therapy.

What is Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)?

Maladaptive grief lasting ≥12 months with functional impairment.

Why is grief usually not diagnosed?

Grief is a normal adaptive response.

What distinguishes PGD from normal grief?

Intensity, persistence, and impairment beyond cultural expectations.

What symptom is unique to PGD?

Persistent yearning for the deceased.

What does maladaptive mean in PGD?

Grief interferes with functioning, or Thoughts/behaviors interfere with functioning and prevent life re-engagement.

Why is the 12-month marker important for PGD?

To avoid pathologizing normal grief.

What disorders overlap with PGD symptoms?

MDD and PTSD.

What maintains anxiety and trauma disorders?

Avoidance.

What is the overarching goal of treatment?

Reduce distress and restore adaptive functioning.