PSYC 3140 Chapter 5: Chapter 5 - Anxiety Disorders
11 Dec 2011
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Document Summary
Anxiety is a negative mood state which is characterized by bodily symptoms of physical tension and apprehension about the future. Can be a subjective sense of unease, a set of behaviours (looking worried and anxious, fidgeting) or a physiological response originating in the brain and reflected in elevated heart rate and muscle tension. Most anxiety research is done with animals. Anxiety is good for us in moderate amounts. Future-orientated cannot predict or control upcoming events. Fear is an immediate alarm reaction to danger. Fear protects us by activating a massive response from the autonomic nervous system (increased heart rate and blood pressure), which along with our subjective sense of terror, motivates us to escape (flee) or to attack (fight). Panic - sudden overwhelming fright or terror. Panic attack - abrupt experience of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations. Norwegian artist edvard munch picture depicts artist"s panic attack in process.
