PSY 212 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attack, Panic Disorder
Document Summary
Anxiety disorders: a group of disorders primarily characterized by extreme, unrealistic, or debilitating anxiety. Obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders also discussed due to similarities: phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder with anxiety disorders. Panic attacks: intense fear accompanied by: pounding heart, trembling, shortness of breath, fear of losing control, fear of dying. May be experienced in any of the anxiety disorders: recurrent unexpected panic attacks in combination with: Apprehension over having another attack or worrying about consequences of having an attack. Changes in behavior or activities designed to avoid another. Three types of panic attacks: situationally bound, situationally predisposed, unexpected or uncued. All three types may be present in individuals with panic disorder. Both medication and cognitive therapies have been effective: biochemical, cognitive-behavioral: 80% reported to achieve and maintain panic free status. Anxiety and excessive worry over major and minor life circumstances. Somatic symptoms: heart palpitations, muscle tension, restlessness, trembling, sleep difficulties, poor concentration, persistent apprehension/nervousness.
