Panic And Anxiety Disorders

1. A 27-year-old married electrician complains of dizziness, sweating palms, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears of more than 18 months' duration. He has also experienced dry mouth and throat, periods of extreme muscle tension, and a constant "edgy" and watchful feeling that has often interfered with his ability to concentrate. These feelings have been present most of the time during the previous 2 years...Because of these symptoms the patient has seen a family practitioner, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a chiropractor, and an earnose- throat specialist....He also has many worries. He constantly worries about the health of his parents...He also worries about whether he is a "good father," whether his wife will ever leave him (there is no indication that she is dissatisfied with the marriage), and whether he is liked by co-workers on the job. Although he recognizes that his worries are often unfounded, he can't stop worrying. For the past 2 years the patient has had few social contacts because of his nervous symptoms...he sometimes has to leave work when the symptoms become intolerable. (Adapted from Spitzer et al., 2002 pp. 298–300.) From which disorder does he suffer?

A specific phobia

Social Phobia

Conversion disorder

Generalized anxiety

The individual in the given scenario is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears, along with dry mouth and throat, extreme muscle tension, and constant feelings of edginess and watchfulness. These symptoms have been present for more than 18 months and have interfered with his ability to concentrate. He also has excessive worries about various aspects of his life, even though he recognizes that they are often unfounded. These symptoms and worries are indicative of generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday life events.

Explanation

The individual in the given scenario is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears, along with dry mouth and throat, extreme muscle tension, and constant feelings of edginess and watchfulness. These symptoms have been present for more than 18 months and have interfered with his ability to concentrate. He also has excessive worries about various aspects of his life, even though he recognizes that they are often unfounded. These symptoms and worries are indicative of generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday life events.

2. Specific phobias can develop from vicarious learning

True

False

Specific phobias can indeed develop from vicarious learning, which refers to learning through observation or hearing about the experiences of others. For example, if someone witnesses a friend or family member experiencing extreme fear or distress in a specific situation or around a particular object, they may develop a phobia of that situation or object themselves. This can happen without directly experiencing the feared situation or object themselves.

Explanation

Specific phobias can indeed develop from vicarious learning, which refers to learning through observation or hearing about the experiences of others. For example, if someone witnesses a friend or family member experiencing extreme fear or distress in a specific situation or around a particular object, they may develop a phobia of that situation or object themselves. This can happen without directly experiencing the feared situation or object themselves.

3. Historically, anxiety disorders were considered to be neurotic disorders, which are:

Maladaptive and self-defeating behaviors

Incoherent and dangerous behaviors

Delusions or behaviors displaying patients loss of touch with reality

Disorders that no longer exist

Anxiety disorders were historically considered to be neurotic disorders because they are characterized by maladaptive and self-defeating behaviors. These behaviors are harmful to the individual and interfere with their daily functioning. This understanding of anxiety disorders has evolved over time, and they are now recognized as a distinct category of mental health disorders.

Explanation

Anxiety disorders were historically considered to be neurotic disorders because they are characterized by maladaptive and self-defeating behaviors. These behaviors are harmful to the individual and interfere with their daily functioning. This understanding of anxiety disorders has evolved over time, and they are now recognized as a distinct category of mental health disorders.

4. All of the phobias listed are considered a specific phobia EXCEPT

Situational

Environmental

Blood-Injection-Injury

Self

The phobias listed - Situational, Environmental, Blood-Injection-Injury - are all specific phobias because they involve a fear or anxiety of a specific object or situation. However, "Self" is not considered a specific phobia as it does not fit the criteria of an irrational fear or avoidance of a specific object or situation.

Explanation

The phobias listed - Situational, Environmental, Blood-Injection-Injury - are all specific phobias because they involve a fear or anxiety of a specific object or situation. However, "Self" is not considered a specific phobia as it does not fit the criteria of an irrational fear or avoidance of a specific object or situation.

5. It is likely a person with an Avoidant personality comorbid with Social anxiety but not necessarily likely a person with Social anxiety have an avoidant personality.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that individuals with an Avoidant personality disorder often experience social anxiety as well. This means that it is likely for a person with an Avoidant personality to also have social anxiety. However, it is not necessary for a person with social anxiety to have an Avoidant personality. This suggests that while there may be a correlation between the two, they are not always present together.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that individuals with an Avoidant personality disorder often experience social anxiety as well. This means that it is likely for a person with an Avoidant personality to also have social anxiety. However, it is not necessary for a person with social anxiety to have an Avoidant personality. This suggests that while there may be a correlation between the two, they are not always present together.

6. The DSM-IV-TR lists several criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder EXCEPT:

Being easily fatigued

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability

Weight loss or gain

The DSM-IV-TR lists several criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. However, weight loss or gain is not listed as one of the criteria for this disorder. Weight loss or gain may be associated with other mental health conditions or physical illnesses, but it is not specifically linked to Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR.

Explanation

The DSM-IV-TR lists several criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. However, weight loss or gain is not listed as one of the criteria for this disorder. Weight loss or gain may be associated with other mental health conditions or physical illnesses, but it is not specifically linked to Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR.

7. Nocturnal Panic Attacks are the same as night terrors

True

False

Nocturnal Panic Attacks are not the same as night terrors. While both occur during sleep, they are different in nature. Nocturnal Panic Attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that wake a person from sleep, causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath. On the other hand, night terrors are characterized by sudden awakenings with intense fear or terror, often accompanied by screaming, thrashing, or other physical manifestations. Therefore, the statement that Nocturnal Panic Attacks are the same as night terrors is false.

Explanation

Nocturnal Panic Attacks are not the same as night terrors. While both occur during sleep, they are different in nature. Nocturnal Panic Attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that wake a person from sleep, causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath. On the other hand, night terrors are characterized by sudden awakenings with intense fear or terror, often accompanied by screaming, thrashing, or other physical manifestations. Therefore, the statement that Nocturnal Panic Attacks are the same as night terrors is false.

8. The DSM-IV-TR lists the following criteria for Specific Phobia EXCEPT:

Marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued bythe presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation.

Person does not recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.

Duration of at least 6 months.

The DSM-IV-TR lists the criteria for Specific Phobia, which includes marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. It also includes a duration of at least 6 months. However, it does not require that the person does not recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.

Explanation

The DSM-IV-TR lists the criteria for Specific Phobia, which includes marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. It also includes a duration of at least 6 months. However, it does not require that the person does not recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.

9. Fear is seated in the future, anxiety responds to events in the present

True

False

Fear is actually a response to events in the present, while anxiety is focused on future events. Fear is a natural reaction to an immediate threat or danger, triggering the fight-or-flight response. On the other hand, anxiety is a more prolonged feeling of unease or worry about potential future events or outcomes. Therefore, the given statement is false as it incorrectly states that fear is seated in the future and anxiety responds to events in the present.

Explanation

Fear is actually a response to events in the present, while anxiety is focused on future events. Fear is a natural reaction to an immediate threat or danger, triggering the fight-or-flight response. On the other hand, anxiety is a more prolonged feeling of unease or worry about potential future events or outcomes. Therefore, the given statement is false as it incorrectly states that fear is seated in the future and anxiety responds to events in the present.

10. Fear and anxiety have 3 components but do NOT include:

Cognitive/subjective components

Physiological components

Psychological components

Behavioral components

Fear and anxiety have three components: cognitive/subjective components, physiological components, and behavioral components. However, psychological components are not included. Psychological components refer to the mental processes and experiences associated with fear and anxiety, such as thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations. While fear and anxiety can certainly have psychological effects, they are not considered a separate component in this context.

Explanation

Fear and anxiety have three components: cognitive/subjective components, physiological components, and behavioral components. However, psychological components are not included. Psychological components refer to the mental processes and experiences associated with fear and anxiety, such as thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations. While fear and anxiety can certainly have psychological effects, they are not considered a separate component in this context.