Psychological Disorders & Interventions Flashcards
what is a panic attack?
discrete period in which there is the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated with feeling of impending doom.
what are the symptoms of panic attack?
During these attacks, symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath
- palpitations
- chest pain or discomfort
- choking or smothering sensations
- fear of “going crazy” or losing control
- sweating, chills/hot flushes
- shaking
- dyspnoea
- dizziness
- feelings of detachment from reality
- fear of dying
- paraesthesia
what is agoraphobia?
arises by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which escape is difficult (or embarrassing)
develops as a complication of panic attacks
what does the behavioural approach describe about maladaptive behaviours?
Maladaptive behaviours are not merely symptoms of the underlying problems – the behaviours are the problem.
Problem behaviours are learned in the same way normal behaviours are learned (by conditioning)
how is exposure therapy carried out?
- based on classical and operant conditioning approaches
- Treat phobias through the exposure to the feared CS (trigger at present) in the absence of UCS (trauma)
- does induce anxiety for short periods of time but highly effective
what is CBT?
changing behaviour around the thoughts, behaviours and emotions, focussing on problematic behaviours and beliefs that maintain the disorder.
A stimulus leads to a response and therapy enables the cognition stage in-between to be corrected so the response is not harmful.
what causes emotional distress?
interpretation of events, not the events themselves.
what is the advantage of using CBT in treating emotional distress inducing phobias/disorders?
Relapse rates are also much lower vs. medication
what can be treated using CBT?
- Depression
- OCD
- Social anxiety
- Bulimia
- PTSD
- Panic disorders and specific phobias
- Generalised anxiety disorder - Schizophrenia
considered 1st line of treatment by NICE
what does someone with cognitive appraisal problems do?
they catastrophise the perceived threat (misinterpret physical and emotion symptoms)
what contributes to wellbeing?
o A sense of individual vitality.
o Undertake activities which are meaningful, engaging, and make them feel competent and autonomous.
o A stock of inner resources to help them cope and to be resilient.
how is a panic disorder diagnosed?
o Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (DSM)
o At least one of the attacks is followed by 1 month or more of the following:
- Persistent concern about more attacks.
- Worrying about implications of such attacks.
- Change in behaviour as to avoid such attacks – i.e. avoid getting in cars.
what is systemic desensitisation?
gradually exposing the patient to more anxiety inducing stimuli
what is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
paying attention in a particular way, in the moment and non-judgmentally.
Recognising thoughts as thoughts and not ‘you’ or ‘reality’.
what is motivational interviewing? what can it be used for?
identifies the unhealthy behaviour thoughts and feelings and allows them to change their behaviour
used for smoking, alcohol use, weight loss, etc.
