Psychopathology Exam 2

Question 1

What is anxiety?

Answer 1

a negative mood state characterized by bodily symptoms of physical tension, and apprehension about the future
it is hard to study
bad when we know we have nothing to worry about but we remain anxious
somatic symptoms of tension

Question 2

What is fear?

Answer 2

an immediate alarm reaction to danger
differs from anxiety psychologically and physiologically
strong SNS arousal

Question 3

What is panic?

Answer 3

a sudden overwhelming reaction of fear without danger

Question 4

What is a panic attack?

Answer 4

an abrupt experience of intense fear or acute discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms

Question 5

Two types of panic attacks?

Answer 5

1) expected (cued) panic attack: if you are afraid of bridges and you drive over one
2) unexpected (uncued) panic attack: don’t have a clue when or where the next one will occur

Question 6

Which brain system is the main focus of anxiety research now?

Answer 6

the CRF

Question 7

Which area of the brain is most often associated with anxiety?

Answer 7

the limbic system

it is overly responsive in people with anxiety disorders

Question 8

BIS AND FFS

Answer 8

behavioural inhibition system
fight or flight system
factors in your environment can change the sensitivity of these circuits making you more or less likely to develop anxiety disorders

Question 9

triple vulnerability theory (3 vulnerabilities that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders)

Answer 9

biological vulnerability: heritable contribution
generalized psychological vulnerability: sense that events are uncontrollable/dangerous
specific psychological vulnerability: being taught that something is dangerous

Question 10

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 4 cognitive characteristics

Answer 10

1) intolerance of uncertainty
2) positive beliefs about worry
3) poor problem orientation
4) cognitive avoidance