Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Psychology

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Shortness of breath

Question 2

Which type of therapy is commonly used to treat panic disorder alongside exposure therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Person-centered therapy

Question 3

What is the primary function of the amygdala in the context of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of fear and emotional responses

Answer

Storage of long-term memories

Answer

Processing of sensory information

Answer

Control of voluntary movement

Question 4

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a phobia?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Repetitive and intrusive thoughts

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Answer

Panic attacks triggered by specific cues

Question 5

How do panic attacks typically differ from anxiety attacks?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks are more sudden and intense, with a shorter duration

Answer

Anxiety attacks are more prolonged and gradual, with a milder intensity

Answer

Panic attacks involve physical symptoms such as sweating and increased heart rate, while anxiety attacks primarily involve mental symptoms

Answer

There is no significant difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and persistent worry

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 7

Which of the following is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique used in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Answer

Mindfulness meditation

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 8

What is the first-line treatment approach recommended for Panic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

A combination of medication and CBT

Answer

Medication

Answer

CBT

Answer

Lifestyle modifications

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a recommended self-help strategy for managing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Relaxation techniques

Answer

Avoiding potential triggers

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a recognized type of anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Phobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension about a variety of topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms

Answer

Intense, debilitating fear of being embarrassed or judged in social situations

Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense fear and physical symptoms

Answer

Compulsive avoidance of specific objects or situations due to excessive fear

Question 12

Panic disorder is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms

Answer

Persistent, excessive worry about future events and their potential consequences

Answer

Avoidance of social situations or interactions due to fear of embarrassment or negative evaluation

Answer

Repetitive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 14

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medications to reduce symptoms

Answer

Teaching relaxation techniques to manage acute anxiety

Answer

Using hypnosis to uncover and resolve underlying traumatic memories

Question 15

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a therapeutic technique primarily used to treat:

Accepted Answer

Phobias and other anxiety disorders involving specific fears

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder involving intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer

Panic disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Question 16

The primary distinction between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder lies in:

Accepted Answer

GAD involves excessive worry and apprehension, while panic disorder involves sudden, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

GAD is a chronic condition, while panic disorder is episodic

Answer

GAD affects primarily women, while panic disorder affects primarily men

Answer

GAD does not respond to treatment, while panic disorder does

Question 17

Which of the following is considered a healthy coping mechanism for managing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Talking to a trusted friend or family member about worries and concerns

Answer

Using avoidance strategies to minimize exposure to anxiety-provoking situations

Answer

Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to alleviate anxiety

Answer

Ignoring or suppressing feelings of anxiety

Question 18

What is a potential negative consequence of leaving anxiety disorders untreated?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of physical health problems

Answer

Enhanced social interactions

Answer

Improved career prospects

Answer

Greater sense of inner peace

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry on most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations (phobia)

Answer

Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Answer

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 21

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating anxiety disorders because it:

Accepted Answer

Facilitates the identification and modification of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

Involves solely the administration of medication to alleviate symptoms

Answer

Concentrates on uncovering unconscious conflicts from early childhood

Answer

Emphasizes relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises exclusively

Question 22

Exposure therapy, a technique employed in CBT, involves:

Accepted Answer

Gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli under controlled conditions

Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs through rational analysis

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medication to reduce discomfort

Answer

Encouraging individuals to avoid situations that provoke anxiety

Question 23

Panic disorder is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks without an identifiable trigger

Answer

Persistent and excessive worry about experiencing panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of social interactions (social phobia)

Answer

Phobia of specific objects or situations (specific phobia)

Question 24

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders because they:

Accepted Answer

Enhance the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft

Answer

Block the reuptake of norepinephrine

Answer

Enhance GABAergic neurotransmission

Answer

Stimulate dopamine receptors

Question 25

What is the primary ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals in working with individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Providing accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and guidance

Answer

Offering emotional support and unconditional acceptance

Answer

Imposing restrictions and controlling their activities

Answer

Prescribing medication without considering alternative interventions

Question 26

What is a key distinction between GAD and panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

GAD involves chronic and excessive worry, while panic disorder involves sudden episodes of intense fear.

Answer

GAD is more common than panic disorder.

Answer

Panic disorder is more severe than GAD.

Answer

There is no significant difference between the disorders.

Question 27

Which class of medication is typically considered first-line treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 28

What is the primary role of the amygdala in anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Processing emotional stimuli, including fear responses

Answer

Regulating mood and behaviour

Answer

Storing memories

Answer

Controlling movement

Question 29

What is the primary goal of applying relaxation techniques in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To promote relaxation and reduce physiological arousal

Answer

To facilitate cognitive restructuring

Answer

To enhance social skills

Answer

To challenge and confront feared situations

Question 30

Which of the following is a physiological symptom of an anxiety attack?

Accepted Answer

Racing heart

Answer

Worrying thoughts

Answer

Feeling tense

Question 31

How does the hippocampus contribute to anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Enhances fear responses and consolidates traumatic memories

Answer

Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation

Answer

Regulates the release of stress hormones

Answer

Processes sensory information and triggers panic attacks

Question 32

Which physical symptoms are commonly associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Headache

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Weight loss

Answer

Improved sleep quality

Question 33

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive worry and apprehension?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Depersonalization

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Irritability

Question 35

The defining feature of panic disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Sudden, intense anxiety attacks

Answer

Persistent, excessive worry

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsions

Answer

Avoidance of feared situations

Question 36

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

Administering medication

Answer

Analyzing past experiences

Question 37

The primary goal of exposure therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Gradually expose individuals to feared situations in a controlled and supportive environment

Answer

Provide emotional support

Answer

Eliminate all sources of anxiety

Question 38

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Positive coping mechanisms

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Good social support

Question 39

The primary objective of treatment for anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning

Answer

Completely cure anxiety

Answer

Make individuals completely fearless

Answer

Prevent relapse only

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Migraine

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Hypertension

Question 41

According to the DSM-5, what is a diagnostic criterion for panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by specific physical or cognitive symptoms that reach a peak within minutes

Answer

Excessive worry about a variety of topics for more than 6 months