Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

A characteristic symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is:

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about multiple topics

Answer

Uncontrollable thoughts focused on order and symmetry

Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Question 2

How does the nature of fear in Panic Disorder differ from that in Agoraphobia?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder involves sudden, intense fear episodes, while Agoraphobia involves more persistent, less intense fear.

Answer

Agoraphobia is more common in women than men, while Panic Disorder is more common in men.

Answer

Panic Disorder involves fear of specific objects or situations, while Agoraphobia involves a more generalized fear.

Question 3

Which genetic factor has been associated with a higher likelihood of developing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Gender

Answer

Physical activity

Question 4

Which of the following is a core symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Recurrent, unexpected episodes of intense fear or anxiety (panic attacks)

Answer

Intense fear or avoidance of specific objects or situations (phobia)

Answer

Excessive hand washing or checking rituals

Question 5

Which type of therapy is commonly used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled setting?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Answer

Humanistic Therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Question 6

Which brain structure is primarily involved in the compulsive behaviors characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Caudate Nucleus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 7

Which category of anxiety disorders is characterized by intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Phobia-Related Disorders

Answer

Trauma-Related Disorders

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Mood Disorders

Question 8

Which element of the nervous system is responsible for the physiological arousal associated with anxiety responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer

Somatic Nervous System

Answer

Enteric Nervous System

Answer

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Question 9

Which condition is commonly seen as a comorbid diagnosis alongside anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 10

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension and headaches

Question 11

Which of the following is a key symptom of Panic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent fear of social situations

Answer

Extreme avoidance of certain situations

Answer

Obsessive thoughts about contamination

Question 12

Which of the following is a known risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Regular physical exercise

Answer

Positive coping mechanisms

Question 13

Which type of medication is commonly used to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 14

Which of the following is a neuropsychological deficit associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Impaired memory

Answer

Enhanced problem-solving abilities

Answer

Improved attention span

Answer

Increased creativity

Question 15

Which type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear and avoidance of social situations?

Accepted Answer

Social Phobia

Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Question 16

Which of the following is a common comorbidity with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar Disorder

Answer

Parkinson's Disease

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 17

What is the main goal of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Gradually exposing individuals to feared situations in a safe and controlled environment

Answer

Preventing the occurrence of panic attacks

Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT considered an anxiety disorder by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 19

Which type of anxiety disorder is the most prevalent among the general population?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 20

Which of the following is a core symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized thinking

Question 21

Which of the following is a hallmark of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Uncontrollable panic attacks

Answer

Excessive avoidance of social situations

Answer

Intense and irrational fear of specific objects or situations

Question 22

What is the key distinction between a specific phobia and a panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Specific phobias are triggered by specific and avoidable situations, while panic disorders involve unexpected and intense fear that can occur without any clear trigger.

Answer

Panic disorders only involve physical symptoms, whereas specific phobias involve both physical and psychological symptoms.

Answer

Specific phobias are more common than panic disorders.

Question 23

Which of the following is a known risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma and adverse life events

Answer

High intelligence

Answer

Strong and supportive social network

Question 24

What is the primary objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals identify, challenge, and modify negative thought patterns and unhelpful behaviors that contribute to their anxiety.

Answer

To prescribe medications to alleviate anxiety symptoms

Answer

To provide a supportive environment for individuals to discuss their anxieties

Question 25

Which of the following is a key symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry and anxiety

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Repeated, unwanted thoughts

Question 26

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of Panic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 27

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Change maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.

Answer

Prescribe medication for symptom management

Answer

Uncover and process past traumatic experiences

Question 28

Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts (obsessions)

Answer

Avoidance of feared situations

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Panic attacks

Question 29

The neuropsychological deficit associated with anxiety disorders that affects the ability to effectively process and respond to emotional stimuli is termed:

Accepted Answer

Emotion dysregulation

Answer

Attention deficit

Answer

Cognitive impairment

Answer

Memory loss

Question 30

Which type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Question 31

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective treatment for which anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Question 32

Which class of medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 33

The cognitive bias that can contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, characterized by a tendency to focus on and magnify potential threats in the environment, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Attentional bias to threat

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Question 34

Which of the following factors is generally considered to be a protective factor against the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a recognized anxiety disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Hypochondriasis

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Question 36

A person experiencing intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable is likely suffering from:

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Question 37

Which neurotransmitter system is often implicated in the development and regulation of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

GABAergic System

Answer

Serotonergic System

Answer

Dopaminergic System

Answer

Noradrenergic System

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a common treatment approach for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Answer

Exposure Therapy

Answer

Pharmacotherapy

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Question 39

A patient with a history of panic disorder is experiencing difficulty recognizing and managing their anxiety. This suggests a potential deficit in:

Accepted Answer

Emotion Regulation

Answer

Attention

Answer

Working Memory

Question 40

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a possible trigger for an anxiety attack in someone with generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

A student worrying excessively about a upcoming exam, despite the exam being several weeks away.

Answer

A person experiencing a sudden intense fear of spiders.

Answer

A person avoiding social situations due to fear of judgment.

Question 41

The cognitive model of anxiety suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Distorted thoughts and beliefs contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety.

Answer

Anxiety is learned through classical conditioning.

Answer

Anxiety is primarily caused by genetic factors.

Question 42

A therapist working with a client with social anxiety disorder teaches them relaxation techniques and helps them identify and challenge negative thoughts about social situations. This approach is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic Therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Pharmacotherapy

Question 43

Which of the following brain regions is NOT directly implicated in the processing of fear and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 44

A person with a history of anxiety disorder is showing significant improvement after therapy, but they still struggle to engage in social interactions. This suggests a potential need for:

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy to gradually increase social engagement and build confidence in social situations.

Answer

Further cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts about social interactions.

Answer

Medication adjustment to further reduce anxiety levels.

Question 45

A patient experiencing intense fear of public speaking, leading to significant avoidance and distress, would likely be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Panic Disorder

Question 46

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 47

Which brain region is thought to play a crucial role in the processing of fear and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 48

A cognitive-behavioral therapy technique used to treat anxiety disorders involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

Answer

Analyzing childhood experiences

Answer

Exploring unconscious desires

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Sleep disturbances

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 50

A patient experiencing recurrent, unexpected panic attacks would likely be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 51

What is the primary difference between a phobia and generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Phobias involve intense fear of specific objects or situations, while generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worry across multiple domains.

Answer

Phobias are more severe than generalized anxiety disorder.

Question 52

Which of the following is a potential neuropsychological deficit associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Impaired working memory

Answer

Improved decision-making skills

Answer

Enhanced emotional regulation

Answer

Increased attention span

Question 53

A patient with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder is prescribed a medication that enhances GABA activity. This medication is likely a:

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Stimulant

Answer

Antidepressant