anxiety disorders Flashcards
what is the primary symptom of GAD?
chronic fears and doubts with bodily tensions
what are the potential causes of GAD?
genetics, dysfunctional ways of thinking (two theories), cognitive problems (three theories), and actual or perceived deficit in problem solving
what are the two theories of dysfunctional thinking causing GAD?
Ellis - irrational assumptions (“everyone needs to like me”)
Beck - assumptions that imply danger (people are bad until proven otherwise)
what are the cognitive explanations of GAD?
metacognitive theory (Wells)
intolerance of uncertainty theory (Dugas)
avoidance theory (Borkovec) - worrying reduces high arousal for people with GAD
what medications are used to treat GAD?
benzos and antidepressants
what therapy is used to treat GAD?
exposure and cbt
cognitive - increase control of thoughts, perceive thoughts more logically
behaviour - breath training, muscle relaxation, reduce compulsive behaviours
what are the biological causes of panic disorder?
irregular norepinephrine
issues with amygdala
what happens neurologically during a panic attack?
decreased frontal lobe activity
increased thalamus activity
what drugs are used to treat panic disorder?
benzos, SSRIs, SNRIs
what therapy is used to treat panic disorder?
exposure therapy
cbt to restructure of symptom thoughts to be more logical/realistic and teach breathing/relaxation techniques
what types of exposure therapy?
imaginal
in vivo (direct)
interceptive (bodily sensations)
how are specific phobias formed?
trauma (vicarious/lived)
what are neurological predispositions to phobias?
sensitive amygdala, activated limbic system, low levels of GABA and acetylcholine
how are phobias treated?
cbt and exposure
meds not recommended because therapy is so effective
what are predispositions for social anxiety disorder?
lower SES, less educated, young people
