Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

As per the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of persistent and excessive worry or anxiety required for a diagnosis of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Six or more months

Answer

Two or more weeks

Answer

One or more years

Answer

Two or more years

Question 2

In the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD), which therapeutic approach has been found to be particularly effective?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication therapy as the sole treatment

Answer

Group therapy as the sole treatment

Question 3

What is the primary objective of cognitive restructuring in the management of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and alter negative thought patterns

Answer

To eliminate unwanted thoughts and feelings

Answer

To develop coping skills

Answer

To encourage relaxation and mindfulness

Question 4

Which of the following medications is commonly employed in the short-term treatment of immediate anxiety symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 5

What is the term for an abrupt onset of overwhelming fear or panic that peaks within a few minutes and is often accompanied by physical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Panic attack

Answer

Anxiety attack

Answer

Phobic reaction

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 6

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about a variety of topics that is difficult to control

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Avoidance of feared objects or situations

Answer

Depersonalization or derealization

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Medication

Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Thought challenging

Answer

Relaxation training

Question 8

Which of the following medications is considered a first-line treatment for GAD?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 9

What is the primary objective of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce anxiety symptoms by gradually exposing individuals to feared objects or situations

Answer

To teach individuals coping mechanisms to manage anxiety

Answer

To change negative thought patterns

Answer

To build self-esteem

Question 10

What is the recommended duration of CBT for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Varies depending on the individual and disorder

Answer

6-12 weeks

Answer

12-18 weeks

Answer

18-24 weeks

Question 11

In the management of panic disorder, which medication is considered first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 12

What is the primary distinction between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalized social phobia (GSP)?

Accepted Answer

SAD is specific to social situations, while GSP is more pervasive and generalized

Answer

GSP is specific to social situations, while SAD is more pervasive and generalized

Answer

SAD involves excessive fear of being judged, while GSP involves excessive fear of being humiliated

Answer

GSP involves excessive fear of being judged, while SAD involves excessive fear of being humiliated

Question 13

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of agoraphobia?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Repetitive thoughts or actions

Question 14

Which of the following is a primary defense mechanism commonly employed in anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Repression

Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Question 15

When communicating with a patient experiencing an anxiety disorder, which technique is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to the patient's concerns

Answer

Interrupting the patient frequently to ensure understanding

Answer

Using complex medical terms and jargon

Question 16

What is the general long-term prognosis for anxiety disorders, and what are the key strategies for effective management beyond acute treatment?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other therapies are crucial for long-term management, empowering individuals to cope with anxiety.

Answer

Long-term prognosis is generally poor, with most individuals experiencing chronic symptoms.

Answer

Long-term management focuses solely on medication, with no role for therapy.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Episodes of intense fear or panic

Answer

Recurrent flashbacks

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 18

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation?

Accepted Answer

Phobia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 19

A key diagnostic criterion for social anxiety disorder (SAD) is:

Accepted Answer

Marked fear or anxiety about being scrutinized or negatively evaluated in social situations

Answer

Recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsions

Answer

Avoidance of enclosed spaces

Question 20

In which anxiety disorder are repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors (compulsions) present?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Answer

Phobia

Question 21

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based psychological treatment for:

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Mood disorders

Answer

Personality disorders

Answer

Psychotic disorders

Question 22

Which medication class is commonly used as first-line pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

MAO inhibitors

Question 23

A protective factor against the development of anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Exposure to high levels of stress

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 24

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABAergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

Glutamatergic system

Question 25

A common comorbidity associated with anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Substance use disorder

Question 26

The best approach to reduce the risk of relapse in individuals with anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Long-term follow-up and maintenance therapy

Answer

Intermittent medication use

Answer

No follow-up after initial treatment

Answer

Brief crisis intervention