Affective & Anxiety Disorders (PY1604.6)

Question 1

What is unique about depression/affective disorders?

Answer 1

Often not in isolation, one of the highest co-morbidity rates

Question 2

What is the difference between fear and anxiety?

Answer 2

Though highly related, they differ because…

• Fear; Response to a real threat/stimuli. Often rational.
• Anxiety; Response to a perceived threat/stimuli. ‘What if’ scenarios.

Question 3

What two forms of arousal are considered symptoms of anxiety? Give examples

Answer 3

• Psychological; Restlessness, poor concentration, irritability
• Autonomic; Dry mouth, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations

Question 4

List 3 other symptoms of anxiety outside of arousal

Answer 4

• Sleep Disturbance
• Muscle tension
• Hyperventilaition

Question 5

What are considered common sources for anxiety?

Answer 5

• Things of harm; spiders, snakes, heights, lightening
• Death or poor health
• Being unable to escape a safe space
• Social humiliation/rejection

Question 6

Name 3 possible behavioural responses to anxiety

Answer 6

• Avoidance
• Escape
• Safety Behaviour

Question 7

Explain avoidance

Answer 7

Behaviour utilised to avoid distressing situations. Occurs before situation is even encountered.

Question 8

Explain escape

Answer 8

Active removal from distressing situation. Occurs when situation is encountered.

Question 9

Explain safety behaviours

Answer 9

Behaviours which help to reduce inner emotional turmoil during distressing situation. Coping mechanisms.

Question 10

What is the problem with beh. responses to anxiety?

Answer 10

They prevent encountering the possibly distressing situation and thus a positive cognitive reassessment

Question 11

What are the 2 main strands of ADs?

Answer 11

• Episodic

- Constant

Question 12

Name 3 ADs and their respective fear and avoidance strategies

Answer 12

• Social Phobia; Negative social evaluation. Therefore, avoids general social situations where this could occur including public speaking
• PTSD; Recollection of traumatic memories. Therefore avoids any triggering stimuli/scenarios regarding such memories
• OCD; Obsessive/Intrusive thoughts will become true. Therefore, neutralises anxiety via compulsive behaviours.

Question 13

Briefly outline first 3 criteria necessary for an AD and provide examples when necessary

Answer 13

1. Excessive anxiety and worry for at least 6 months, more days than not
2. Inability to control such thoughts and feelings
3. These are also associated with physiological symptoms such as sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating and easy fatigue

Question 14

Briefly outline last 3 criteria necessary for an AD and provide examples when necessary

Answer 14

4.
5.
6.

Question 15

When does anxiety become a disorder?

Answer 15

In ADs, threats and dangers are perceived incorrectly as they aren’t genuine. Therefore, this triggers the physiological response and thus behavioural responses too

Question 16

Is Anxiety ‘Normal’?

Answer 16

Both fear and anxiety promote the flight/fight response, so it can be considered adaptive. However, it arguably becomes problematic when issues arise from its duration+intensity and impact on one’s ability to function adequately.