PS280 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Virtual Reality
Document Summary
At least 4 of 13 symptoms outlined in dsm. Onset sudden + accompanied by sense of imminent danger and urge to flee. Arise from catastrophic misinterpretation of arousal-related bodily sensations. Those prone to panic attacks have elevated anxiety sensitivity. Cbt is as effective as drug therapies, give long term results, is cost effective. Agoraphobia is avoidance of places where panic attacks could occur, and often accompanies panic disorder. Fear avoidance, worry must interfere significantly w individual"s life. Animal, natural environmenta, blood-injection injury, specific situation, and other subtypes. Characterized by panic reaction triggered by specific cues and reinforced by avoidance behaviour. Failture to habituation + genetic contribution to fear may predispose individual to developing phobias. Argues there are certain stimuli we"re more likely to fear. Main treatment is in vivo exposure (short term intensive and long term) Intense fear of social or performance situations in which person may be subject to scrutiny or evaluation by others.
