Anxiety disorders and mental health Flashcards
define fear
an emotional response to an immediate threat and is more associated with a fight or flight reaction
define anxiety
associated with the anticipation of a future concern
why do physical responses occur in anxiety
perceptions of threat trigger the sympathetic nervous system
release of stress hormones
examples of physical symptoms of anxiety
sweat
nausea
increased heart rate
rapid breath
dry mouth
what does the removal of threat result in
increased activation of parasympathetic nervous system
how do anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety
involve excessive fear or anxiety
typically involves anxiety out of proportion to the situation
what is a phobia
Marked fear or avoidance of a specific object or situation
Avoidance behaviours and anxiety sensitivity (fear of fear)
What is panic disorder
-recurrent unexpected panic attacks
-persistent concern about additional behaviours
hypervigilance and self-focussed
what is social anxiety
Persistent fear and avoidance of social and performance situations
Typically concern potential negative evaluation of others
what does social anxiety often result in
avoidance behaviours
what is the lifetime prevalence of social anxiety in the UK
12% - typically onset during adolescence
what is generalised anxiety disorder
Chronic, persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities that individuals find difficult to control
what is agoraphobia
Fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult where escape may be difficult or embarrassing
what is no longer classed as an anxiety disorder
post traumatic stress disorder
what does PTSD consist of
Consists of intrusion, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, hyperarousal
what are common fears within anxiety disorders
Losing control
Impending death or injury
Negative evaluation by others
Going crazy
why is hypervigilance often unhelpful
Focus on threat makes dealing with threat becoming more difficult
common behavioural symptoms of anxiety disorders
Avoidance of threat and safety behaviours
Escape or freeze
Restlessness
Reassurance seeking
how prevalent is comorbidity of anxiety disorders
40-80% of individuals who meet criteria for one disorder may meet criteria for two or more disorders
what is the two factor theory of phobia
Discrete learning event leading to conditioned fear response
negative reinforcement reinforces behaviour of avoidance
define a panic attack
abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes.
May include pounding heart, sweating, trembling and shortness of breath, feelings of being detached from oneself
how common are panic attacks
up to 28% of population will experience at some point
define obsessions
Recurrent, unwanted, intrusive, thoughts, images or impulses that cause distress/interference
define complusions
Repetitive behaviour that an individual feels driven to perform to reduce distress
what may obsessions involve
Thought, urge or mental image containing contamination, sexual and aggressive impulses, body problems, religious, aggression
what may compulsions involve
Performed according to rules that must be applied regularly Compulsive checking or washing
Superstitious ritualised movements or thoughts
why are obsessions known as ego-dystonic
The content of the obsession is alien/inconsistent with values
Not within their control
