Psychology 2320A/B Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Anxiety Disorders

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2320A/B
• Professor: Elizabeth Hayden

Document Summary

One of the most common mental health problems in young children, with lifetime prevalence estimates between 8% and 30% Children who experience excessive and debilitating anxieties are said to have anxiety disorders. Anxiety involves an immediate reaction to perceived danger or threat a reaction known as fight/flight response: effects are aimed at escaping potential harm, either by confronting the source of danger (fight) or by evading it (flight) Chemical effects adrenaline and noradrenaline are released from the adrenal glands. Cardiovascular effects heart rate and strength of heart beat increase, readying body for action by speeding up blood flow and improving delivery of oxygen to tissues. Respiratory effects speed and depth of breathing increase, which brings oxygen to the tissues and removes waste, producing feelings of breathlessness, choking or smothering, or chest pains. It is important to distinguish anxiety from two closely related emotions fear and panic: fear is an immediate alarm reaction to current danger or life-threatening emergencies.