chap 9- applying biopsychosocial approach o explain specific phobia

Question 1

what neurotransmitter is GABA

Answer 1

and inhibitory

Question 2

what neurotransmitter is glutamate

Answer 2

excitatory

Question 3

what are biological symptoms of sympathetic arousal

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what does the consolidation theory state

Answer 4

that structural changes to neural circuits occur with the formation of long-term memories

Question 5

what is LTP

Answer 5

a form of neural plasticity tht leads to an increase in the efficacy of synaptic transmission

Question 6

what does the behavioural models propose

Answer 6

that phobic anxiety could be the result of learning

Question 7

how can the precipitation of a phobia be explained

Answer 7

as a learnt association between 2 stimuli (classical conditioning) and perpetuated by through reward and punishment (operant conditioning)

Question 8

what is memory bias

Answer 8

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

Question 9

what is catastrophic thinking

Answer 9

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

Question 10

what are anti-anxiety medications known as

Answer 10

benzodiazepines

Question 11

what are biological interventions

Answer 11

drugs work on CNS by stimulating a neurotransmitters activity or by inhibiting

Question 12

what do medications that target GABA dysfunction do

Answer 12

minimise the onset or severity of anxiety

Question 13

what do benzodiazepines do

Answer 13

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

Question 14

what is another biological intervention

Answer 14

relaxation techniques and exercise

Question 15

what is breathing retraining

Answer 15

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

Question 16

how can exercise reduce anxiety

Answer 16

burns up natural chemicals that accumulate during stress. this can reduce anxiety and promote positive mood

Question 17

what is psychotherapy

Answer 17

a technique to treat mental disorders. e.g. phobias

Question 18

what is psychotherapy used for

Answer 18

to facilitate positive changes in personality, behaviour or adjustment

Question 19

what are some psychotherapy techniques

Answer 19

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
and systematic desensitisation

Question 20

what is CBT

Answer 20

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

Question 21

what are some common CBT techniques for specific phobia

Answer 21

relaxation training
flooding
imaginal flooding

Question 22

what is the purpose of CBT

Answer 22

to challenge unrealistic and negative thoughts and replace them with realistic thoughts and examine associated behaviours

Question 23

what is systematic desensitisation

Answer 23

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

Question 24

what is psychoeducation

Answer 24

offers education for family and friends about mental illness such as the nature of the illness, its treatment and management strategies