ABNORMAL

PSYCHOLOGY
Unit – 4
ANXIETY DISORDERS
WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by

excessive and persistent feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. These
feelings can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and overall well-
being. There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of
symptoms.

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 COMMON ANXIETY DISORDERS…

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

Individuals with GAD experience excessive and chronic worry about various
aspects of life, even when there is little or no apparent reason for concern.
Physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability
may accompany the excessive worrying.

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Panic Disorder:
People with panic disorder have recurrent and unexpected
panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or
discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as
chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and
dizziness. Fear of future panic attacks can lead to
avoidance behaviors.
Phobia:
A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that
poses little to no actual threat. Phobias can significantly impact a person's daily life,
leading to avoidance behaviors and interference with normal functioning.

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 TYPES OF PHOBIAS

Specific Phobias:
Specific phobias involve a fear of a particular object or situation. Common examples
include:
Animal Phobias :Fear of spiders (arachnophobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), etc.
Natural Environment Phobias :Fear of heights (acrophobia), storms, water
(aquaphobia), etc.
Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia :Fear of needles, medical procedures, or seeing
blood.
Situational Phobias : Fear of flying, driving, elevators, etc.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder):
Fear of social situations and scrutiny by others, leading to anxiety about
being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This may include public speaking,
social interactions, and performance-related activities.
Agoraphobia:
Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. This
can lead to avoidance of crowded places, open spaces, public transportation,
or being outside the home alone.

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition
characterized by a pattern of intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and
repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the
anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions.
KEY ASPECTS OF OCD

1. Obsessions:

•Intrusive Thoughts: Persistent and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that

cause significant anxiety or discomfort.

•Common Themes: Common obsessions include fears of contamination,

harming oneself or others, fears of making a mistake, or a need for symmetry.

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2.Compulsions:

Repetitive Behaviors: Ritualistic actions or mental acts

performed to reduce the anxiety associated with the
obsessions.
Examples: Cleaning, washing, counting, checking,
repeating words, arranging objects in a specific order, or
seeking reassurance.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition
classified under abnormal psychology, specifically within the category of
trauma- and stressor-related disorders.
PTSD is a psychological disorder that can develop after exposure to a
traumatic event. Traumatic events include, but are not limited to,
experiences such as war, natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual
assault, or witnessing or learning about a traumatic event happening to a
loved one.
Symptoms:
Intrusion Symptoms:
1. Flashbacks: Re-experiencing the traumatic event as if it were
happening again.
2. Nightmares and distressing dreams.
3. Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the trauma.

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Avoidance Symptoms:
•Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, including places, people,
or activities.
•Emotional numbing and detachment.
•Avoidance of discussing or thinking about the trauma.

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Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood:
•Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
•Distorted blame towards oneself or others for the cause or consequences of
the traumatic event.
•Persistent negative emotional states, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame.
•Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

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Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms:
•Hypervigilance: An increased state of alertness and
being easily startled.
•Irritability or outbursts of anger.
•Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

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Interpreting anxiety disorders

Biopsychosocial Model:
Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter
imbalances, and brain structure may contribute to anxiety
disorders.
Psychological Factors: Traumatic experiences, learned behaviors,
and cognitive distortions play a role in the development and
maintenance of anxiety.
Social Factors: Environmental stressors, family dynamics, and
cultural influences can contribute to anxiety.
Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective:
Anxiety disorders are often viewed through the lens of cognitive-
behavioral models, where maladaptive thought patterns, irrational
beliefs, and avoidance behaviors contribute to the perpetuation of
anxiety.
Psychodynamic Perspective:
Psychodynamic theories emphasize unconscious conflicts and
unresolved issues from childhood that may manifest as anxiety in
adulthood.
Treating anxiety disorders

Psychotherapy:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying
and challenging negative thought patterns and changing
maladaptive behaviors. Exposure therapy, a specific form of CBT,
is effective for many anxiety disorders.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Techniques such as mindfulness
meditation and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can
help individuals manage anxiety by fostering present-moment
awareness and acceptance.
Medications:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly
prescribed for various anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines: Used for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms
but may have the potential for dependence and are generally not
recommended for long-term use.
Combination Therapy:
Combining psychotherapy and medication is often more effective than either
treatment alone, especially in severe cases.
Lifestyle Modifications:
1. Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to have positive effects
on mood and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
2. Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is crucial for managing
anxiety.
3. Stress Management Techniques: Relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and
progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial.
Self-Help and Support Groups:
Encouraging individuals to participate in self-help strategies, such as
self-monitoring, journaling, and joining support groups, can
complement formal treatment.
Early Intervention:
Identifying and treating anxiety disorders early can prevent chronicity
and reduce the impact on daily functioning.