Do You Now About Anxiety Disorder

The correct answer is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). This manual is widely used by psychologists to classify and diagnose various psychological disorders. It provides a standardized criteria and classification system for mental disorders, allowing for consistent diagnosis and treatment across different practitioners. The APA clinical handbook, physicians desk reference, and encyclopedia of psychological disorders are not specifically used for this purpose.

Based on the information provided, Maria is afraid to leave her home and avoids public places. This behavior is consistent with agoraphobia, which is an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of situations or places where escape might be difficult or help might not be available in case of a panic attack or other anxiety symptoms. OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder do not specifically involve a fear of leaving the home or avoiding public places, so they are less likely to be the correct answer in this case.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania, where they feel excessively energetic and euphoric, followed by periods of depression, where they feel sad, hopeless, and lethargic. These mood swings can significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality of life. Fugue, panic disorder, and conversion disorder are not mood disorders, but rather different types of psychological disorders.

Schizophrenic disorders are characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and deterioration of adaptive behavior. These symptoms are the key features of schizophrenia and are used to diagnose the disorder. Delusions are false beliefs that are not based in reality, while hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not actually happening. Disorganized speech refers to difficulty in organizing thoughts and expressing them coherently. Deterioration of adaptive behavior refers to a decline in the ability to function and engage in everyday activities. These symptoms can significantly disrupt a person's life and require treatment.

Paralyzing attacks of overwhelming anxiety along with physical symptoms that may occur at any time are characteristic of panic disorder. Panic disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences sudden and recurring panic attacks. These attacks are often accompanied by intense fear and a variety of physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. The unpredictability of panic attacks and the severe impact they have on an individual's daily life are key features of panic disorder.

Major depressive disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and despair, along with a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. People with this disorder may experience a range of symptoms such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns, low energy levels, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and even thoughts of death or suicide. This disorder can significantly impact a person's daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Mood disorders are characterized by emotional disturbances that can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their physical health, perception, social interactions, and thought processes. These disturbances can spill over and disrupt these areas, causing difficulties in functioning and adapting to daily life. This explanation aligns with the definition of mood disorders and provides a clear understanding of the concept.

The correct answer is "enduring psychological disturbances attributed to the experience of a major traumatic event." This is because post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The individual may experience a range of psychological disturbances such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in mood and cognition, and increased arousal and reactivity. These disturbances persist for an extended period of time and significantly impact the individual's daily functioning and quality of life.

Hypochondriasis is not an anxiety disorder. It is actually classified as a somatic symptom disorder in the DSM-5. People with hypochondriasis have excessive worry and fear about having a serious medical condition, despite having little or no medical evidence to support their beliefs. While anxiety can be present in individuals with hypochondriasis, it is not the primary characteristic of the disorder.

The stress-vulnerability model of schizophrenic and mood disorders suggests that both heredity and environment play a role in influencing behavior. This means that a person's genetic predisposition, as well as their experiences and surroundings, can contribute to the development of these disorders. It highlights the interaction between nature and nurture in shaping behavior and emphasizes the importance of considering both factors in understanding psychological disorders.

An individual experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and hyperactive behavior would be said to exhibit positive symptoms. Positive symptoms are characterized by an excess or distortion of normal functioning, such as hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) and delusions (holding false beliefs). Hyperactive behavior can also be considered a positive symptom as it represents an increase in activity beyond what is considered normal. These symptoms are often associated with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

Research has shown that excessive activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine is implicated in the etiology of schizophrenic disorders. Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a role in regulating movement, emotion, and cognition. Abnormalities in dopamine transmission have been observed in individuals with schizophrenia, and drugs that block dopamine receptors are effective in reducing symptoms of the disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is dopamine.

Anxiety disorders are a class of psychological disorders characterized by feelings of excessive apprehension and worry. This means that individuals with anxiety disorders experience intense and persistent feelings of fear and unease, often about everyday situations. These feelings can be overwhelming and interfere with daily functioning, causing significant distress and impairment in various areas of life. It is important to note that anxiety disorders can manifest in different ways and may also be accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

Inadequate social skills have not been proposed as a factor associated with the development of schizophrenic disorders. Schizophrenia is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. Neurological damage during prenatal development, excessive levels of dopamine, and structural abnormalities in the brain have all been suggested as potential factors contributing to the development of schizophrenic disorders. However, inadequate social skills have not been identified as a direct cause of schizophrenia.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the correct answer. This disorder is characterized by chronic and excessive worry, often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations and muscle tension. Unlike other anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent anxiety across various situations and is not limited to specific triggers or panic attacks. OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, major depressive disorder primarily involves persistent low mood, and panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks.

The cognitive approach to explaining anxiety disorders suggests that individuals who are more likely to develop these disorders tend to engage in certain cognitive processes. These processes include focusing excessive attention on perceived threats, selectively recalling information that seems threatening, and misinterpreting harmless situations as threatening. However, having a pessimistic explanatory style is not mentioned as one of the cognitive processes associated with anxiety disorders. Therefore, individuals who have a pessimistic explanatory style are not more likely to develop anxiety disorders according to the cognitive approach.

An individual with a phobic disorder would be most successful in controlling her anxiety because phobic disorders involve specific and identifiable fears or phobias. This means that the person can work on gradually exposing themselves to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner, using techniques such as systematic desensitization or cognitive-behavioral therapy. With proper treatment and exposure, individuals with phobic disorders can learn to manage and control their anxiety.

Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have been linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that have been found to be abnormal in individuals with mood disorders. Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, while norepinephrine plays a role in alertness and arousal. Therefore, the abnormal levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are associated with mood disorders.

Recent research has shown that the hippocampus is approximately 8-10% smaller in individuals who are depressed compared to those who are not. The hippocampus is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, memory formation, and cognitive function. This finding suggests that the structural changes in the hippocampus may contribute to the symptoms and cognitive impairments associated with depression.

Schizophrenia is not one of the three most common types of psychological disorders. The three most common types are mood disorders, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behavior, delusions, and hallucinations. While it is a significant psychological disorder, it is not classified as one of the most common types.

The central feature or symptom of schizophrenic disorders involves disturbed or irrational thought processes. This means that individuals with schizophrenia may experience delusions or have difficulty thinking logically and coherently. They may have disorganized speech and exhibit bizarre behavior. These disturbed thought processes can significantly impact their ability to function in daily life and maintain relationships. The other options, such as an absence of or flattening of emotions, hallucinations, and noticeable deterioration in functioning, may also be present in schizophrenia, but the primary characteristic is the presence of disturbed or irrational thought processes.

Seligman's concept of preparedness suggests that humans are biologically predisposed to develop certain fears and phobias, such as a spider phobia. This concept argues that we are more likely to fear objects or situations that posed a threat to our ancestors, as they were potentially dangerous for survival. Therefore, the development of a spider phobia can be explained by our innate preparedness to fear spiders, as they may have posed a threat to our ancestors.

People who display relatively mild symptoms of chronic depression are most likely to be given a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder. Dysthymic disorder is a chronic mood disorder characterized by persistent depressive symptoms that are less severe than those of major depressive disorder. Individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience a low mood, lack of interest or pleasure in activities, fatigue, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness. These symptoms are generally present for a longer duration, typically lasting for at least two years. Therefore, individuals with relatively mild but chronic depressive symptoms are more likely to receive a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder rather than major depressive disorder or other mood disorders.

Inadequate social skills can lead to a decrease in social support, which in turn can contribute to the development of depressive disorders. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being, and individuals with poor social skills may struggle to form and maintain meaningful relationships. This lack of social support can increase feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem, all of which are risk factors for depressive disorders. Additionally, the absence of a strong support system can make it more difficult for individuals to cope with stressors and life challenges, further increasing their vulnerability to depressive disorders.

Research on the etiology of mood disorders has found that genetic factors play a more significant role in bipolar disorder compared to major depressive disorder. This means that individuals with bipolar disorder are more likely to have a genetic predisposition for the condition, while major depressive disorder may be influenced by other factors to a greater extent. This suggests that bipolar disorder has a stronger genetic component, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in understanding and treating this particular mood disorder.

Individuals with schizophrenic disorder often experience disturbances in their emotional expression. This can manifest as either a lack of emotions or inappropriate emotions. Some individuals may show a diminished range of emotions, appearing flat or indifferent to situations that would typically elicit an emotional response. On the other hand, they may also display emotions that are not congruent with the situation, such as laughing or crying inappropriately. Therefore, it is common for individuals with schizophrenic disorder to exhibit either a lack of or inappropriate emotions.

Bipolar disorder involves alternating periods of depression (feeling sad, hopeless, and uninterested in activities) and mania (feeling extremely energetic, euphoric, or irritable). This condition differs from other disorders listed, as it specifically includes these mood swings between depressive and manic states.