Unit 12 Module 66

Name the two contemporary perspectives used by psychologists to understand anxiety disorders. Then explain how or what psychologists study within each perspective.

The learning perspective Psychologists using the learning perspective study fear conditioning, observational learning, or cognitive processes. The biological perspective Psychologists using the biological perspective study natural selection, genes, or the brain.

Name and describe two anxiety disorders.

Two anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder and phobia. A person with generalized anxiety disorder pathologically worries all the time. Phobias are irrational, pathological fears.

What do we call an anxiety disorder marked by a persistent, irrational fear and avoidance of a specific object, activity, or situation? a. Obsessive-compulsive disorder b. Phobia c. Panic disorder d. Generalized anxiety disorder e. Posttraumatic stress disorder

B

The key difference between obsessions and compulsions is that compulsions involve repetitive a. thoughts. b. experiences. c. behaviors. d. memories. e. concerns.

C

A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing which of the following? a. Generalized anxiety disorder b. Posttraumatic stress disorder c. Panic disorder d. Obsessive-compulsive disorder e. Fear conditioning

D

How do generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder differ?

Generalized anxiety disorder is unfocused tension, apprehension, and arousal. Panic disorder is marked by unpredictable periods of terror and intense dread accompanied by frightening physical sensations. Those with phobias focus anxiety on specific feared objects or situations. People suffering obsessive-compulsive disorder ex- press anxiety through unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions). In posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety may be accompanied by recurring memories and nightmares, social withdrawal, and insomnia for periods of four or more weeks after a traumatic event.