BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS FOR ANXIETY AND FEAR RELATED DISORDERS

Question 1

What is the preparedness theory (Seligman, 1971)

Answer 1

• A theory that suggests humans are biologically predisposed to fear certain stimuli
• Because these fears had survival value in our evolutionary past

Question 2

What would be an evolutionary explanation for anxiety disorders?

Answer 2

• Anxiety can be seen as an adaptive/ pre-programmed trait that helped early humans survive.
• why? Individuals who were more cautions and alert to potential dangers, had a better chance of surviving and passing on their genes to the next generation as a survival mechanism.

Question 3

What would be an evolutionary explanation for phobias?

Answer 3

• Phobias often involve objects or situations that posed real threats to survival in human evolutionary history (snakes/spiders)
• Preparedness theory- humans are biologically predisposed to fear certain threats as these fears increased survival.

Question 4

Studies suggests that …. genetics account for ….% of the risk for anxiety disorders.

Answer 4

• 30-50%

Question 5

What would be a genetic explanation for anxiety?

Answer 5

• Anxiety has a heritable component (meaning it runs in families).
• Studies suggest that 30-50% of the risk for anxiety disorders are genetic.
• There are several candiate genes linked to anxiety disorders: 5HTTLPR/STG and COMT gene.

Question 6

Name 2 canditate genes linked to anxiety?

Answer 6

1. 5HTTLPR/ Serotonin Transporter Gene
2. COMT Gene

Question 7

How is the 5HTTLPR gene/ Serotonin transporter Gene linked with anxiety?

Answer 7

• Associated with increased sensitivity to stress
• and higher anxiety levels

Question 8

How is the COMT gene associated with anxiety?

Answer 8

• Influences dopamine metabolism
  *(Variations in the gene) May play a role in anxiety and decision-making under stress.

Question 9

Name 2 neurotransmitters that may be linked to anxiety?

Answer 9

• Low serotonin
• Low GABA

GABA= GAMMA AMINOBUTYRIC ACID

Question 10

What is a biochemical explanation for anxiety? (serotonin)

Answer 10

Imbalance of neurotransmitters contribute to anxiety.
- Serotonin regulates mood, emotions and stress responses. (MES)
- Low serotonin= linked to overthinking, worrying and irritability (key symtoms)
- Evidence: SRRI’s which increase serotonin helps to treat anxiety disorders.

Question 11

What is a biochemical explanation for anxiety? (GABA)

Answer 11

Imbalance of neurtransmitters contribute to anxiety.
- GABA is an inhibitory neurotramsitter that calms the brain.
- Low GABA means the brain stays overactive- resulting in excessive worry and tension.
- EVIDENCE: Benzodiazepines (which increase GABA) reduce anxiety.

Benzo-dia-zepines

Answer 12

Ball et al. (2005): double-blind, prospective study compared the efficacy and tolerability of two SSRIs, paroxetine and sertraline, in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Over an 8-week period, both medications resulted in significant decreases in anxiety symptoms, with no notable differences in response or remission rates between the two drugs.