Anxiety Disorders and Their Treatment

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to anxiety disorders, their characteristics, and treatment approaches.

Anxiety

An emotional response to a perceived future threat, which can provoke worry or fear.

Fear

A response to present danger, in contrast to anxiety which is future-oriented.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A chronic condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations.

Chronic Worry

Persistent anxiety that is focused on a range of everyday issues and does not resolve easily.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Physical manifestations such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath during anxiety.

Panic Attack

An intense episode of fear that occurs unexpectedly, leading to physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety.

Systematic Desensitization

A treatment for phobias that involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation with relaxation techniques.

Social Anxiety Disorder

An intense fear of social situations where one may be scrutinized or judged, leading to avoidance behaviors.

Agoraphobia

A fear associated with situations where escape might be difficult, often resulting in avoidance of leaving the home.