Ab. Psych Exam #3- Anxiety and Mood Disorders Questions And Answers A+ Grade Review Latest Update

Anxiety - ANS-a future-oriented state characterized by negative affect in which a person
focuses on the possibility of uncontrollable danger or misfortune
Fear - ANS-is a present-oriented state characterized by strong escapist tendencies and
a surge in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system in response to
current danger.
Panic attack - ANS-a panic attack represents the alarm response of real fear, but there
is no actual danger. Panic attacks may be (1) unexpected (without warning), (2)
situationally bound (always occurring in a specific situation), or (3) situationally
predisposed (likely but unpredictable in a specific situation).
Genaralized Anxiety Disorder - ANS--Clinical Description: In generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD), anxiety focuses on minor everyday events, not one major worry or
concern
-Causes: Both genetic and psychological vulnerabilities seem to contribute to the
development of GAD.
-Treatment: Although drug and psychological treatments may be effective in the short
term, drug treatments are no more effective in the long term than placebo treatments.
Successful treatment may help individuals with GAD focus on what is really threatening
to them in their lives.
Panic Disorder With and Without Agoraphobia - ANS--Clinical Description:In panic
disorder with or without agoraphobia (a fear and avoidance of situations considered to
be "unsafe"), anxiety is focused on the next panic attack.
-Causes: We all have some genetic vulnerability to stress, and many of us have had a
neurobiological overreaction to some stressful event—that is, a panic attack. Individuals
who develop panic disorder then develop anxiety over the possibility of having another
panic attack.
-Treatment: Both drug and psychological treatments have proved successful in the
treatment of panic disorder. One psychological method, panic control treatment,
concentrates on exposing patients to clusters of sensations that remind them of their
panic attacks.
Specific Phobia - ANS--Clinical Description: In phobic disorders, the individual avoids
situations that produce severe anxiety, panic, or both. In specific phobia, the fear is
focused on a particular object or situation.
-Causes: Phobias can be acquired by experiencing some traumatic event; they can also
be learned vicariously or even be taught.
-Treatment: Treatment of phobias is rather straightforward, with a focus on structured
and consistent exposure-based exercises.