Question 1

Cognitive theorists maintain that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) focus on threats at both the _____ levels.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theorists argue that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) focus on perceived threats at both the unconscious and conscious levels, meaning they might not always be aware of the specific fears and worries driving their anxiety.

Question 2

Children with a genetic predisposition toward anxiety or who are behaviorally inhibited may not develop a specific phobia, unless:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Children with a genetic predisposition toward anxiety...

Question 3

Virginia is very aware of her bodily cues that signal a panic attack. This heightened awareness is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Interoceptive awareness refers to the heightened awareness of internal bodily cues and sensations. This is often a characteristic of individuals with anxiety disorders, such as Virginia who is aware of her bodily cues that signal a panic attack. The other options (conditioned avoidance response, introjective awareness, and anxiety sensitivity) do not accurately describe this concept.

Question 4

Which of the following applies to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following applies to generalized...

Question 5

Judith worries daily about whether her husband made it safely to work, how her children are getting on in school, what she should cook for dinner, and if the family will be satisfied with the meal she prepares. Judith is sluggish most of the time and has trouble concentrating on positive things. Judith is most likely suffering from:

Accepted Answer

Judith's constant worrying and difficulty concentrating on positive things suggests that she may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday life events. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder have specific diagnostic criteria that do not match Judith's symptoms. Trauma-and stressor-related disorder may be a possibility if Judith has experienced a traumatic event that is causing her symptoms, but the information provided does not indicate this as a likely explanation.

Question 6

Which of the following is true about the integrated model of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

The integrated model of panic disorder suggests that panic disorders develop as a result of a biological vulnerability to a hypersensitive fight-or-flight response. This includes a heightened sensitivity to physiological changes in the body. The model does not suggest that structural damage to the brain is the cause of panic disorder, nor does it suggest that engagement in catastrophizing thinking would prevent it. Additionally, the model acknowledges that cognitive vulnerabilities may play a role in the development of panic disorder.

Question 7

Which of the following suppress the central nervous system and influence functioning in the GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurotransmitter systems?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines suppress the central nervous system and influence functioning in the GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurotransmitter systems. Tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs primarily affect the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, while SSRIs primarily affect serotonin levels.

Question 8

The process where bodily cues that occur at the beginning of panic attacks become conditioned stimuli signaling new attacks is known as:

Accepted Answer

The process described is interoceptive conditioning, where bodily cues become associated with panic attacks through classical conditioning. Operant conditioning involves learning based on consequences of behavior, and observational learning involves learning through observation and imitation of others' behavior.

Question 9

According to cognitive theorists, people who experience panic attacks engage in all of the following behaviors EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theorists believe that individuals who experience panic attacks engage in behaviors such as paying close attention to their bodily sensations, misinterpreting bodily sensations in a negative way, and engaging in snowballing catastrophic thinking. However, they do not reason that the stressor is temporary and will dissolve soon. In fact, they often believe that their symptoms and feelings are indicative of a serious and life-threatening condition.

Question 10

Which of the following theories have been integrated into a model that suggests genetic vulnerabilities and psychological factors come together to create panic disorder and agoraphobia?

Accepted Answer

The biological theory suggests that panic disorder and agoraphobia may have a genetic component, while the cognitive theory proposes that catastrophic thinking and misinterpretation of bodily sensations contribute to their development. The integration of these two theories leads to a model suggesting that genetic vulnerabilities and psychological factors (such as cognitive biases) come together to create panic disorder and agoraphobia. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Biological and cognitive.

Question 11

Jacob has been diagnosed with panic disorder without agoraphobia. He was taking his medication regularly until recently. Since discontinuing his medication, he is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and a rebound of anxiety symptoms. Which medication was Jacob most likely taking?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for panic disorder and abruptly stopping them can result in withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety. SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants may also be used in the treatment of panic disorder, but they are not associated with severe withdrawal symptoms like benzodiazepines. Phenothiazines are not typically used in the treatment of panic disorder.

Question 12

Gerald has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He has been taking his medicine regularly, but has begun to experience side effects such as constipation and drowsiness. Which drug is he most likely taking for his symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of OCD. However, constipation and drowsiness are common side effects of SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines may also be used to treat OCD, but constipation is not a common side effect of these drugs. Phenothiazines are not typically used to treat OCD.

Question 13

Sally believes that the bodily symptoms she experiences during a panic attack have harmful consequences. This is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Sally's belief that her bodily symptoms have harmful consequences is an example of anxiety sensitivity, which refers to the tendency to interpret physical symptoms as indicators of a more serious, threatening illness or event. It is a key feature of panic disorder.

Question 14

According to cognitive theory, which of the following statements is true about people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

According to cognitive theory, individuals with GAD commonly believe that worrying can help them avoid bad events. They may also overestimate the probability of negative outcomes and perceive situations as uncontrollable. They often engage in excessive and persistent worry, even though it may not be productive. The other options are not consistent with cognitive theory and research on GAD.

Question 15

Terrence has been seeing a therapist for his recurrent panic attacks. His therapist teaches him relaxation techniques to help him gain control over his anxiety symptoms. Terrence is also taught to identify the thoughts that are intrusive and aggravate his symptoms. He is encouraged to note these thoughts in a daily journal. Terrence's therapist is most likely using _____ to treat his panic disorder.

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes the use of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), which involves a combination of cognitive techniques (such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts) and behavioral techniques (such as relaxation exercises) to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Humanistic therapies focus more on self-exploration and growth, while behavioral therapies focus solely on changing observable behaviors. Cognitive therapies specifically focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. Therefore, A is the best choice for this scenario.

Question 16

People with panic disorder show dysregulation of norepinephrine systems in an area of the brainstem called the:

Accepted Answer

The locus ceruleus is an area in the brainstem that is involved in the regulation of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that is important in the body's stress response. Dysregulation of norepinephrine in this area has been specifically linked to panic disorder. The other options (A, C, D) do not have as much evidence supporting their involvement in panic disorder.

Question 17

Fluctuations in _____ levels might cause imbalances or dysfunction of the serotonin or GABA systems in females, leading to panic attacks.

Accepted Answer

Fluctuations in progesterone levels have been linked to panic attacks in females. Progesterone can affect the function of serotonin and GABA, which are neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and anxiety. Therefore, imbalances or dysfunction of these systems may contribute to the development of panic attacks. Testosterone and epinephrine have not been specifically linked to panic attacks, and while estrogen levels may also fluctuate in females, estriol is not a hormone typically associated with panic disorder.

Question 18

Which of the following treatments is most effective in preventing relapse in clients with panic disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be the most effective treatment in preventing relapse in clients with panic disorders. CBT combines the cognitive therapies, which focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, with behavioral therapies, which focus on helping clients face and overcome their feared situations. It also includes techniques such as relaxation and coping skills training. Biological therapies such as medication can be effective in reducing symptoms, but alone they are not as effective in preventing relapse.

Question 19

Family history studies reveal that the heritability of panic disorder is _____ percent.

Accepted Answer

Studies on the heritability of panic disorder suggest that genetic factors account for approximately 43 to 48 percent of the variance in the risk for developing this condition.

Question 20

People diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD):

Accepted Answer

Individuals with GAD often have excessive worrying about a wide variety of events and situations, even when there is little or no reason to be concerned.

Quiz 5: Trauma, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders