PSYCH 2AP3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Panic Attack, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
15 Jun 2013
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Document Summary
Fear or panic is a basic emotion that involves activation of the fight- or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system. Cognitive/subjective components, physiological components, and behavioural components. Complex bend of unpleasant emotions and cognitions that is both more oriented to the future and much more diffuse than fear. Cognitive/subjective level: negative mood, worry about possible future threat or danger, self-preoccupation, and a sense of being unable to predict the future threat or to control it if it occurs. Physiological level: creates a state of tension and chronic overarousal, which may reflect readiness for dealing with danger should it occur. Behavioural level: create a strong tendency to avoid situations where danger might be encountered, but with anxiety there is not the immediate urge to flee as there is with fear. Adaptive value of anxiety may be that it helps us plan and prepare for possible threat. In moderate degrees, anxiety enhances learning and performance.
