Week 4 - Anxiety

Question 1

What is anxiety?

Answer 1

an inborn response to threats or to the absence of people which can result in cognitive and somatic symptoms

Question 2

Why is anxiety adaptive?

Answer 2

the body’s natural way of preparing us to deal with different challenges or threats

Question 3

what is clinical anxiety?

Answer 3

is anxiety that is so excessive it impairs function

Question 4

What are some symptoms of anxiety?

Answer 4

1. Physical Symptoms:
   - Increased heart rates
2. Psychological Symptoms:
   - Constant worry or assuming the worst
3. Behaviours:
   - Avoiding certain situations
4. Social Response
   - Social withdrawal or isolation

Question 5

What does FFF stand for?

Answer 5

Fight, Flight, or Freeze response

Question 6

What is the Fight, Flight, or Freeze response ?

Answer 6

• automatic survival mechanism that is triggered by perceived threats or danger

Question 7

How does the FFF relate to anxiety?

Answer 7

when a person experiences significant anxiety the FFF response is activated even though the situation is not truly dangerous

Question 8

What is the fourth F and what does it do?

Answer 8

Fawn - a person attempts to please or appease a threat to avoid harm and it is Seen in people with social anxiety

Question 9

What is the Polyvagal Theory?

Answer 9

the theory explain how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) affects our psychological and physiological responses to stress and safety

Question 10

what are the 3 main stages and how does it relate to anxiety?

Answer 10

1. Ventral Vagal System
   - anxiety is low or absent
   -safety and connection
2. Sympathetic Nervous System
   - activates the “fight or flight” response when the brain detects danger or a threat
   - if someone stays in this state too long or without real danger, it can lead to chronic anxiety
3. Dorsal Vagal System (Blue zone)
   - the danger feels overwhelming and escape seems impossible
   - immobilization or shutdown response

Question 11

What are some common anxiety disorders according to the DSM?

Answer 11

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
2. Panic Disorder
   3.Social Anxiety Disorder
3. Specific Phobias
4. Agoraphobia
5. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Question 12

How is anxiety categorized in the DSM?

Answer 12

1. Primary Anxiety Disorder
2. Secondary to Other Factors
   - Substance abuse
   - Medical Conditions

Question 13

How is anxiety seen in children?

Answer 13

• may show symptoms physical symptoms such as stomach and headaches
• Avoidance can show through refusal to attend school
• Separation anxiety

Question 14

How is anxiety seen in adolescents?

Answer 14

• withdrawal instead of overt fear and worry
• poor academic performance, social isolation, and lower self-esteem
• Social Anxiety

Question 15

How is anxiety assessed?

Answer 15

use a combination of clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and behavioral observation