Psychology 2310A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Panic Attack, Panic Disorder, Acute Stress Reaction

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Rod Martin

Document Summary

Physiological component involves changes in the automatic nervous system that result in respiratory, cardiovascular, and muscle changes in the body (e. g. , changes in breathing rate, heart rate, and muscle tone) Cognitive component involves alterations in consciousness, and specific thoughts. Specific behavioral responses tend to be consequences of certain emotions. Anxiety: affective state whereby an individual feels threatened by the potential occurrence of a future negative event > future oriented. Fear: more primitive emotion and occurs in response to a current threat (real or perceived) > present oriented. Fight or flight response: fear prompts a person or organism to either flee from a dangerous situation or stand and fight (due to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing rate) Panic: whereas fear is an emotional response to an objective, current, and identifiable threat, panic is an extreme fear reaction that is triggered even though there is nothing to be afraid of (false alarm)