4.3 Generalized Anxiety Disorder and 4.4 Panic Disorders

A set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to anxiety disorders.

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Characterized by a continuous state of excessive, uncontrollable, and pointless worry and apprehension.

agoraphobia

anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of situations in which it might be difficult to escape if one experiences symptoms of a panic attack.

anxiety disorder

Characterized by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety and by related disturbances in behavior.

locus coeruleus

Area of the brainstem that contains norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that triggers the body's fight-or-flight response; has been implicated in panic disorder.

panic attack

Period of extreme fear or discomfort that develops abruptly; symptoms of panic attacks are both physiological and psychological.

panic disorder

Anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected panic attacks, along with at least one month of worry about panic attacks or self-defeating behavior related to the attacks.