Question 1

An incapacitating and highly distressing fear about being embarrassed in the presence of others is most characteristic of

Accepted Answer

A fear of being embarrassed in social situations is a key feature of social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about a variety of everyday problems. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Question 2

Diane is constantly concerned about things at work even when she is at home.She is constantly worried about her home life even when she is at work.Diane's free-floating anxiety leaves her tense and irritable,impairs her concentration,and results in many sleepless nights.Diane suffers from

Accepted Answer

Diane's constant worrying and free-floating anxiety suggest that she may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive worrying or fear about everyday activities and events with no apparent reason. The symptoms of the disorder can impair daily functioning, cause physical symptoms, and result in sleep disturbance, just as is mentioned in the case of Diane. A phobia or social anxiety disorder would result in more specific fears about particular situations or objects, while obsessive-compulsive disorder involves obsessions or compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment.

Question 3

Freud suggested that for those suffering a generalized anxiety disorder,the anxiety is

Accepted Answer

Freud proposed the concept of free-floating anxiety, which is a pervasive sense of anxiety without a specific source or trigger. Those with generalized anxiety disorder experience persistent and excessive worry and anxiety about a wide range of situations or events, and their anxiety is often free-floating in nature.

Question 4

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a continuous state of tension, apprehension, and autonomic nervous system arousal.

Question 5

Persistent avoidance of social situations due to an intense fear of being negatively evaluated by others is most characteristic of

Accepted Answer

Persistent avoidance of social situations due to an intense fear of being negatively evaluated by others is the defining feature of social anxiety disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, free-floating anxiety does not have a specific trigger or focus, and obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive and persistent thoughts, as well as ritualistic behaviors.

Question 6

Dion avoids all situations that involve him having a conversation with others,especially with women.He spends an inordinate amount avoiding situations that he fears may cause him to be judged or evaluated.Dion is demonstrating the symptoms of

Accepted Answer

Dion's avoidance of social situations, particularly with women, suggests that he may have social anxiety disorder. This disorder is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations where one might be scrutinized or evaluated by others. The fear of judgment or negative evaluation is a key feature of social anxiety disorder.

Question 7

Which of the following disorders is characterized by the most sudden and unpredictable episodes of distress?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and unpredictable panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Social anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive fear or anxiety about social situations, while obsessions and compulsions are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are typically repetitive and time-consuming, but not necessarily sudden or unpredictable.

Question 8

Anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult is indicative of

Accepted Answer

Anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult is a symptom of agoraphobia. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessions and compulsions, not necessarily related to being in certain places, while social anxiety disorder is more related to fear of being judged or scrutinized in social situations. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about various aspects of life, not necessarily related to specific places or situations.

Question 9

In comparison to generalized anxiety disorder,panic disorder is characterized by periods of distress that are

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder is characterized by intense and sudden periods of distress, known as panic attacks, that typically last for a relatively short period of time (usually a few minutes). In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder involves a more chronic and persistent state of worry and anxiety that may not have distinct episodes of intense distress. Therefore, panic disorder is more intense but less prolonged than generalized anxiety disorder.

Question 10

Generalized anxiety disorder is ________ common among men than women and ________ common among younger adults than older adults.

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder is actually twice as common among women as it is among men. It is also more common among younger adults than older adults. Therefore, the correct answer is less;more, which is only found in choice D.

Question 11

For the third time in two months,Amber's husband rushed her to the hospital emergency room because she thought she was having a heart attack.Her symptoms included a racing heart,weakness,feeling faint,and feeling as if she were unable to breathe.Although her doctor says she is physically healthy,Amber lives in fear of another attack.Amber is most likely suffering from which psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Amber's symptoms suggest that she is experiencing panic attacks, which are the hallmark of panic disorder. The fact that she is living in fear of another attack also suggests that her symptoms are causing significant distress and impairment in her daily life, which is a feature of panic disorder. Specific phobia involves excessive and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, whereas generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about a range of everyday life events. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. None of these disorders fully capture Amber's symptoms and experiences.

Question 12

Sadie is so fearful of being overwhelmed by anxiety that she rarely steps outside her apartment.The thought of going shopping and getting lost in a crowd terrifies her,so she has her groceries delivered.Because of her fear,she earns her living as a freelance writer,working at home.Sadie's behavior is most characteristic of

Accepted Answer

Sadie's fear of leaving her apartment and being in crowded places is a classic symptom of agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia have a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack or other embarrassing or incapacitating symptoms. They may go to great lengths to avoid situations that they believe could trigger their anxiety, as Sadie does with her grocery shopping.

Question 13

People with ________ are constantly tense and anxious,and their anxiety is pervasive.They feel anxious about a wide range of life circumstances,sometimes with little or no apparent justification.

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by pervasive and excessive worry about a variety of life circumstances, events, and activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability. People with GAD may feel anxious even when there is little or no apparent reason for it. Panic disorder involves sudden and intense panic attacks, which may be accompanied by physical symptoms similar to those of GAD. Agoraphobia involves a fear of specific situations or places, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves anxiety resulting from a traumatic event. While there may be some overlap in symptoms, the description of pervasive and unjustified anxiety most closely aligns with GAD.

Question 14

The most common symptoms of ________ are irregular heartbeat,chest pains,shortness of breath,choking,trembling,or dizziness.The person may also sweat,tremble,and feel terrified.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms mentioned are closely associated with panic attacks, which are sudden and intense episodes of anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and free-floating anxiety may also involve some of these symptoms, but the most characteristic symptoms of panic attacks are irregular heartbeat, chest pains, shortness of breath, choking, trembling, or dizziness.

Question 15

Every time she goes out,Carrie has to rush home after being overwhelmed by dizzy spells,a pounding heart,and feeling as though she can't breathe.Finally,she decides to go to the emergency room but a thorough examination rules out any medical problem.Nevertheless,Carrie has become increasingly fearful about having more episodes and has restricted her activities to only the most essential outings.Carrie seems to be displaying symptoms of

Accepted Answer

Carrie's symptoms of dizziness, a pounding heart, feeling as though she can't breathe, and fear of having more episodes have led her to restrict her activities. These symptoms and behaviors are typical of agoraphobia, which is characterized by a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or where help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. The fact that a thorough examination ruled out any medical problem suggests that her symptoms are not due to a physical health condition.

Question 16

While he was studying,Matthew was suddenly overwhelmed by feelings of intense apprehension.For several minutes he felt so agitated that he could not catch his breath.Matthew was most likely suffering from

Accepted Answer

The sudden onset of intense apprehension and physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing are characteristic of a panic attack. Social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias can also cause anxiety, but they do not necessarily involve the same sudden and intense physical symptoms as a panic attack.

Question 17

Which of the following is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by constant,excessive,and unjustified anxiety about a wide range of issues and circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of events and activities. This worry is difficult to control and persists for months on end. Panic disorder involves sudden and recurrent panic attacks. Agoraphobia involves fear of certain situations or environments. Posttraumatic stress disorder involves severe anxiety, flashbacks, and other symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event.

Question 18

Rishi,a college student,complains that he feels apprehensive and fearful most of the time but doesn't know why.Without warning,his heart begins to pound,his hands get icy,and he breaks out in a cold sweat.Rishi most likely suffers from

Accepted Answer

Rishi's description suggests symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive worry and fear about everyday situations, without a specific trigger or phobia. Symptoms often include physical manifestations such as sweating and changes in heart rate.

Question 19

Patrick,who has been diagnosed as suffering from social anxiety disorder,is likely to experience

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves a persistent and intense fear of social situations, particularly those involving scrutiny or evaluation by others. This can lead to avoidance of social situations or extreme discomfort and distress when faced with them. Symptoms can include shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, and nausea, as well as avoidance behaviors. A paralyzing fear of performing routine behaviors in public situations such as speaking or eating is a common symptom of social anxiety disorder.

Question 20

Jessica's fear of panic attacks has limited her travel outside her home.Her fears are so intense that she will not venture outside to get her mail or even sit on her porch.For the most part,she is afraid of having another panic attack and not being able to get help.Jessica is suffering from

Accepted Answer

Jessica's fear and avoidance of going outside or leaving her home points to agoraphobia. Those with agoraphobia often feel like they cannot escape a situation or get help if needed, increasing their anxiety and fear.

Quiz 49: Dissociative and Personality Disorders