Overview of Anxiety and Mood Disorders

What characterizes anxiety disorders?

Uncontrollable fears that are disruptive, disproportionate to the situation, causing physical symptoms like jitteriness, dizziness, and elevated heart rate.

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Persistent anxiety lasting more than 6 months without a definite cause, triggered by various life aspects.

What are panic attacks?

Sudden onset of intense terror with no specific cause, often resembling a heart attack, accompanied by shortness of breath and feelings of imminent death.

What demographic reports more panic attacks?

Women report twice as many panic attacks as men.

What are phobias?

Irrational fears of specific objects or situations, often avoided or constantly monitored.

What can cause phobias?

Traumatic experiences, genetics, serotonin levels, or learned behavior through observation.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Recurring thoughts that compel a person to repeat certain behaviors, often related to cleanliness or checking.

What are common causes of OCD?

Genetics, overstimulation of the frontal cortex, life stressors, and low serotonin and dopamine levels.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Anxiety stemming from a past traumatic event, manifesting as flashbacks, avoidance, emotional numbness, and aggression.

What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Depression most of the day, reduced interest in activities, weight loss, sleep dysregulation, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

What distinguishes persistent depressive disorder () from MDD?

Dysthymia is more chronic, lasting at least six months with varying intensity, and includes symptoms like poor appetite and low self-esteem.

What biological factors contribute to depressive disorders?

Genetics, neurotransmitter issues (especially serotonin), and abnormal brain activity.

What psychological factors can lead to depression?

Learned helplessness, negative thinking patterns, and social environments with other depressed individuals.

What sociocultural factors influence depression rates?

Poverty, low socioeconomic status, and gender differences, with women more likely to seek treatment.

What is bipolar disorder?

Characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania, usually cycling every six months to a year.

What is the relationship between suicide and psychological disorders?

Ninety percent of individuals who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder.

What is anorexia nervosa?

An eating disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to starvation.

What are common causes of anorexia nervosa?

Genetics, neurotransmitter deficiencies, and societal pressures for perfection.

What is binge eating disorder?

Recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food uncontrollably, often associated with obesity.

What defines dissociative disorders?

Sudden loss of memory or identity, separating current consciousness from past memories.

What is the difference between retrograde and anterograde amnesia?

Retrograde amnesia involves inability to recall old information, while anterograde amnesia prevents the creation of new memories.

What is dissociative identity disorder?

A condition where a person has two or more distinct personalities, often as a response to trauma.

What are the signs of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, catatonia, disorganized speech (word salad), flat affect, and social withdrawal.

What are the causes of schizophrenia?

Genetic factors, brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter issues (excessive dopamine), and stress combined with biological predispositions.

What role do social networks play in schizophrenia recovery?

Good social networks and a positive environment can significantly aid in recovery and treatment.