Lecture 18 - Evolution Of Panic & PTSD Flashcards
Why does it seem like panic should be an evolutionary adaptation?
Panic is universal and occurs in a fixed pattern in most people, it’s also a very costly behaviour, using up so much of your energy. So it would have to have large evolutionary benefits.
What was Donald F Kleins theory about panic ?
Klein suggested that panic is the adult version of separation anxiety
Why is separation anxiety important in terms of evolution?
In HG conditions you were constantly moving on and traveling, therefore the biggest risk for a baby would be to be left behind. Therefore, panic although risky because it would identify you to predators is also the only way for a baby to signal to its family where it is.
What is some correlational evidence to support Kleins hypothesis? What is one of the issues with the hypothesis ?
Adults with panic attacks were more likely to suffer higher levels of separation anxiety. However, some adult panic attacks are silent, so how does it explain that? Plus is might just be that these people are naturally prone to more anxiety throughout their lives?
What is PTSD? What are some of the symptoms ?
PTSD is the delayed and protractive ( long lasting ) response to severe trauma. It is often delayed, sometimes up to 6 months.
Symptoms include flashbacks , nightmares and high levels of fear and vigilance.
What can ptsd be likened to ?
Similar to a phobia as a natural defence mechanism but has become exaggerated and inappropriately triggered. It’s an exaggerated memory which triggers overwhelming emotions.
What is state related learning ?
When you experience something and form a memory, you remember the event and the body states (hormones and nerves stimulated in your body) at the time. Therefore, when you recall the incident you recall the emotions and body states, but also when you are in the same body state you recall your memory. It is circular reinforcement.
Why might ptsd originated from an adaptation?
It is adaptive to remember your traumas and never forget them so you don’t do them again. But it’s become exaggerated now and is too strong and inappropriately triggered
What is the main conclusion about why PTSD has come about?
It’s the mismatch paradigm. Where something that was beneficial before, but now has become a serious problem rather than a useful defence mechanism in the modern environment.
Define panic and list some physical symptoms
Panic is the rapid and sudden build up of anxiety over a few seconds. It is the fear of a catastrophic outcome like a heart attack or stroke and appears to be universal.
Hyperventilation, pounding heart, tightness of chest (tachycardia ), shaking and nausea
