PSYCH257 Lecture : Abnormal Psychology 2nd CDN edition Chapter 5
16 Oct 2011
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Anxiety: specific disorder; panic: fear that occurs as an inappropriate time. Anxiety: negative mood state; bodily symptoms of physical tension & apprehension of future. Eg. fidgeting, trembling, high heart rate, muscle tension. Fear: immediate alarm reaction to danger; strong escapist action tendencies. Panic attack: abrupt intense fear/discomfort: heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath. 3 types: situationally bound (cued); unexpected (uncued) and situationally predisposed. Biological contributions: inherit tendency to be tense, uptight; eg. depleted levels of gaba -> ^ anxiety; Behavioural inhibition system: unexpected signals from brain stem of danger; Freeze, ^ anxiety, and evaluate situation to confirm danger is present. Reaction to stress linked to family; eg. panic attacks can be familial. Secure home base, positive predictable parental reactions, ability to explore their world. Fight-flight system(ffs); alarm and escape response; possibly due to serotonin deficiencies. Psychological contributions: eg. childhood: parents can foster child"s sense of control, prevent anxiety. Social contributions: stressful life events can trigger bio/psych vulnerabilities to anxiety.
