BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS FOR ANXIETY AND FEAR RELATED DISORDERS

Question 1

What is the preparedness theory (Seligman, 1971)

Answer 1

The theory proposes that humans are biologically predisposed (or “prepared”) to learn/ develop certain fears more easily than others as those fears were evolutionally relevant/ had survival value to early humans.

Question 2

What would be an evolutionary explanation for anxiety disorders?

Answer 2

• Anxiety can be seen as an adaptive, pre-programmed response which evolved to enhance survival.
• Why? Early humans who were more cautious and alert to potential threats (predators) had better chances of surviving- and thus pass on their genes to the next generation (as a survival mechanism)

Question 3

What would be an evolutionary explanation for phobias?

Answer 3

Phobias often involve stimuli that posed genuine threats to survival during human evolutionary history (e.g., snakes, spiders, heights)- so natural selection favoured individuals who quickly learned to fear and avoid these threats.

The theory helps explain why some phobias are so common and why they can develop even without a direct negative experience.

Question 4

Studies suggests that …. genetics account for ….% of the risk for anxiety disorders (according to twin/ family studies)

Answer 4

• 30-50%

Question 5

What would be a genetic explanation for anxiety?

Answer 5

• Anxiety has a heritable component (meaning it runs in families).
• Studies suggest that 30-50% of the risk for anxiety disorders are genetic.
• There are several candiate genes linked to anxiety disorders: 5HTTLPR/STG and COMT gene.

Question 6

Name 2 canditate genes linked to anxiety?

Answer 6

1. 5HTTLPR/ Serotonin Transporter Gene
2. COMT Gene

Question 7

How is the 5HTTLPR gene/ Serotonin transporter Gene linked with anxiety?

Answer 7

• Function: Controls serotonin reuptake.
• Variants in this gene are associated with less efficent serotonin reputake, thus increased sensitivity to stress and higher anxiety levels.

Question 8

How is the COMT gene associated with anxiety?

Answer 8

• COMT Gene (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)
• Function: Breaks down dopamine/ noradrenaline.
• Variations in the gene- slows break down of dopamine- excess dopamine- increases sensitivity and anxiety.

Question 9

Anxiety is linked to dysregulation in three key neurotransmitter systems?

Answer 9

1. Serotonin
2. GABA
3. Noradrenaline

GABA= GAMMA AMINOBUTYRIC ACID

Question 10

What is a biochemical explanation for anxiety? (serotonin)

Answer 10

• Serotonin regulates mood, emotions (fear) stress responses (MES)
• Low serotonin levels are linked to increased anxiety, rumination, and irratability.
• Evidence= SSRI’s (enhance serotonin effect) helps to treat anxiety symptoms.

Question 11

What is a biochemical explanation for anxiety? (GABA)

Answer 11

GABA: The brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter which has a sedatative effect on the NS
Low GABA- overactive fear circuits.
Evidence of GABA-Anxiety link: Benzodiazepine (Xanax)- enhance effect of GABA- reduce anxiety

Benzo-dia-zepines

Question 12

What researcher compared the efficacy of two SSRI’s in treating GAD?

Answer 12

Ball et al. (2005) double-blind, prospective study compared the efficacy and tolerability of two SSRIs, paroxetine and sertraline, in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Over an 8-week period, both medications resulted in significant decreases in anxiety symptoms, with no notable differences in response or remission rates between the two drugs.

Question 13

Biochemical explanation for anxiety- imbalances in noradrenaline.

Answer 13

Role: Activates sympathetic nervous system
Overactive noradrenaline centers can lead to panic attacks and hyper arousal.
Evidence of noradrenaline and anxiety link- beta blockers (propranolol) which block effects of noradrenaline can reduce anxiety levels.