Module 4 Anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and PGD (Set A)

Anxiety vs Fear

Anxiety is anticipation of a future threat; fear is a response to an immediate real or perceived threat.

Physical Effects of Anxiety

Muscle tension, vigilance, physiological preparation for danger.

Panic Attacks

Sudden surges of intense arousal related to the fight-or-flight response.

Clinical Threshold for Anxiety Disorders

Fear/anxiety is excessive, persistent, disproportionate, and causes impairment.

Gender Differences in Anxiety

Women are more likely to be Dx with anxiety disorders.

Comorbidity

The co-occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual.

Specific Phobia Definition

Persistent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that disrupts life.

Specific Phobia Duration

Sx must persist for at least 6 months.

Phobic Response

Immediate fear or anxiety when exposed to the phobic stimulus.

Avoidance in Phobias

Avoidance of the stimulus or endurance with intense fear.

 Social Anxiety Core Fear

Fear of being judged, evaluated, or embarrassed.

Social Anxiety vs Shyness

Social anxiety is extreme, persistent, and functionally impairing.

 Panic Disorder Core Feature

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks.

Panic Disorder Onset

Typically begins in early adulthood (ages 20–24).

 GAD Core Feature

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters.

GAD Required Symptoms

At least 3: restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, poor concentration.

Exposure Therapy Effectiveness

Reduces avoidance and allows habituation to feared stimuli.

OCD Obsessions

Intrusive, unwanted, recurrent thoughts.

OCD Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce anxiety.

PTSD Core Requirement

Exposure to a traumatic event.

PTSD Intrusive Sx

Flashbacks, nightmares, distressing memories.

PTSD Avoidance

Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts or reminders.

PTSD Arousal Changes

Hypervigilance, irritability, sleep disturbance.

PTSD Tx

 CBT, exposure therapy, EMDR, antidepressants.

Prolonged Grief Disorder Duration

 Sx persist for at least 12 months.

PGD Key Symptom

Persistent yearning or longing for the deceased.

Maladaptive Grief

Grief that interferes with functioning and adaptation.