chap 9- applying biopsychosocial approach o explain specific phobia Flashcards
what neurotransmitter is GABA
and inhibitory
what neurotransmitter is glutamate
excitatory
what are biological symptoms of sympathetic arousal
heart rate/strength of heart beat increase
blood is redirected from where it isnt needed
adrenal hormones surge in bloodstream
speed/depth of breathing increases
what does the consolidation theory state
that structural changes to neural circuits occur with the formation of long-term memories
what is LTP
a form of neural plasticity tht leads to an increase in the efficacy of synaptic transmission
what does the behavioural models propose
that phobic anxiety could be the result of learning
how can the precipitation of a phobia be explained
as a learnt association between 2 stimuli (classical conditioning) and perpetuated by through reward and punishment (operant conditioning)
what is memory bias
a type of error in thinking that may either enhance or impair the recall of memory, or it may alter the content of what we report remembering. This can help to develop a phobia when an individual is more likely to recall negative info about a stimulus than positive info
what is catastrophic thinking
occurs when an individual repeatedly overestimates the potential dangers and assumes the worst of an object or event. the physical symptoms experienced with these thoughts act to reinforce them
what are anti-anxiety medications known as
benzodiazepines
what are biological interventions
drugs work on CNS by stimulating a neurotransmitters activity or by inhibiting
what do medications that target GABA dysfunction do
minimise the onset or severity of anxiety
what do benzodiazepines do
act on GABA receptors to increase GABAs inhibitory effects
have anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing properties
can be highly addictive and long-term use is not recommended
imitate GABAs inhibitory effects
increase release of GABA
etc
what is another biological intervention
relaxation techniques and exercise
what is breathing retraining
identifying incorrect breathing habits and replacing them with correct ones. boosts carbon dioxide and causes physiological changes that allow individuals to have greater control over their anxiety
how can exercise reduce anxiety
burns up natural chemicals that accumulate during stress. this can reduce anxiety and promote positive mood
what is psychotherapy
a technique to treat mental disorders. e.g. phobias
what is psychotherapy used for
to facilitate positive changes in personality, behaviour or adjustment
what are some psychotherapy techniques
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
and systematic desensitisation
what is CBT
the way a person thinks about something determines how they think about it and respond to it. Therefore if they can change the way they think about it, they can change their behaviour
what are some common CBT techniques for specific phobia
relaxation training
flooding
imaginal flooding
what is the purpose of CBT
to challenge unrealistic and negative thoughts and replace them with realistic thoughts and examine associated behaviours
what is systematic desensitisation
a type of behavioural therapy whereby an individual with a phobia or fear is exposed to the fear-producing object or situation very slowly under relaxed conditions until fear response is extinguished
what is psychoeducation
offers education for family and friends about mental illness such as the nature of the illness, its treatment and management strategies
