Review of Anxiety and Related Disorders

A set of practice flashcards covering definitions, statistics, biological causes, and treatments for various anxiety-related disorders including GAD, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder based on the provided lecture materials.

What is specific phobia?

An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that leads to avoidance behavior.

What is the most common type of specific phobia?

The most common types include fear of animals, environmental fears (like heights), and situational fears (like flying).

What is the lifetime prevalence rate of any specific phobia?

Approximately $12.5\\%$ of the population will experience a specific phobia at some point in their lives.

What role does classical conditioning play in the development of phobias?

Classical conditioning can lead to the association of a neutral stimulus with a feared response, contributing to the development of phobias.

How does avoidance behavior reinforce anxiety?

Avoidance of feared situations reduces anxiety in the short term but reinforces the fear response, making it more likely to occur in the future.

What are cognitive distortions related to anxiety?

Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts or beliefs that amplify anxiety, such as catastrophizing or overgeneralizing.

What is the significance of the amygdala in anxiety disorders?

The amygdala is critical in processing emotions and fear responses, and hyperactivity in this region is associated with anxiety disorders.

How does social anxiety differ from general anxiety?

Social anxiety specifically involves fear of social situations and being judged by others, while generalized anxiety is more about pervasive worry across various domains.

What is the treatment approach for phobias?

Effective treatments include exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication such as SSRIs.

What does panic disorder entail?

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and a persistent concern about having more attacks or their consequences.

What are the physical symptoms of a panic attack?

Symptoms include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, and a fear of losing control or dying.

What is the relationship between anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression can co-occur, with anxiety often preceding depression; they share common symptoms and risk factors.

What types of treatments are most effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly effective.

What is the impact of stress on anxiety disorders?

Stress can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and trigger the onset of anxiety disorders, especially in individuals with a predisposition.