Anxiety Disorders: (SAD), (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia

These flashcards cover essential concepts and facts related to anxiety disorders, with a focus on Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia.

How long must SAD symptoms last?

At least 6 months.

Can panic attacks occur in SAD?

Yes, but they are cued by social situations, not unexpected.

What percentage of SAD patients also have Avoidant Personality Disorder?

About 33%.

How does Avoidant Personality Disorder differ from SAD?

Earlier onset, more severe, and more pervasive interpersonal impairment.

What is the lifetime prevalence of SAD?

About 12%.

What is the comorbidity rate between SAD and depression?

Up to 80%.

Do most individuals with SAD seek treatment?

No, about 90% do not.

Which brain structure is hyperactive in SAD and phobias?

Amygdala.

Which brain region is hypoactive in SAD?

Medial prefrontal cortex.

What is the heritability of phobias?

About 30-40%.

What does Mowrer's two-factor model propose?

Classical conditioning creates fear and operant conditioning maintains it through avoidance.

Why does avoidance maintain anxiety?

It negatively reinforces fear and prevents extinction.

What is observational learning in phobias?

Developing fear by observing others' trauma or hearing about frightening events.

What cognitive biases are common in SAD?

Fear of negative evaluation, unrealistic negative beliefs, harsh self-judgment.

What is Behavioral Inhibition (BI)?

Temperament marked by distress and withdrawal in new situations.

What personality trait doubles risk for anxiety disorders?

Neuroticism.

What defines Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Excessive uncontrollable worry about multiple domains for at least 6 months.

How often must worry occur in GAD?

At least 50% of days.

How many associated symptoms are required for GAD in adults?

Three or more.

What are the six GAD symptoms?

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

What is unique about physiological arousal in GAD?

It does not involve intense physiological arousal like panic disorder.

What neurotransmitter deficiency is linked to GAD?

GABA deficiency.

What is the lifetime prevalence of Panic Disorder?

About 5%.

What defines a panic attack?

Sudden intense fear with four or more symptoms that peak within minutes.

Are panic attacks in Panic Disorder predictable?

No, they are unexpected and out-of-the-blue.

What must follow a panic attack for Panic Disorder diagnosis?

One month of worry about future attacks or maladaptive behavior change.

What is the suicide attempt rate in Panic Disorder?

Up to 20%.

What brain structure is central in Panic Disorder?

Locus Coeruleus.

What neurotransmitters are dysregulated in Panic Disorder?

Norepinephrine, serotonin, and GABA.

What is interoceptive conditioning?

Pairing bodily sensations with panic leading to heightened sensitivity.

What is anxiety sensitivity?

Belief that physical symptoms will have catastrophic consequences.

What defines Agoraphobia?

Fear of two or more situations where escape or help may be difficult during panic-like symptoms.

What are the five agoraphobic situations?

Public transport, open spaces, enclosed spaces, crowds/lines, outside home alone.

How long must Agoraphobia symptoms last?

At least 6 months.

What percentage of Agoraphobia cases are comorbid with Panic Disorder?

About 30-50%.

How do you differentiate SAD from Agoraphobia?

SAD fears scrutiny; Agoraphobia fears inability to escape panic symptoms.

How do you differentiate Agoraphobia from Specific Phobia (situational)?

Agoraphobia involves multiple situations and fear of panic; Specific Phobia is limited to one situation and fear of harm.

How do you differentiate SAD from Panic Disorder?

SAD panic attacks are cued; Panic Disorder attacks are unexpected.

What percentage of people with one anxiety disorder meet criteria for another anxiety disorder?

About 80%.

What percentage of people with anxiety also have depression?

About 60%.

Why is comorbidity high in anxiety disorders?

Symptom overlap and shared hyperactive fear circuitry.