PSYCHOLOGY 227

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
PROFESSOR S.M.Dottin
Email: smdottin@bhcc.edu

Homework #4
All homework must be typed, double spaced, 12 font, black print only. Homework
must be submitted on the date that it is due. This assignment is due on 3/22/,
2022.

1.) According to the multipath model, how are the following

factors involved in the development of anxiety disorders?
Please define each factor.

o Biological

It involves autonomic nervous system reactivity; genetics; brain

anatomy; biochemical imbalances; central nervous system functioning;
autonomic nervous system reactivity;

Overactive dread hardware in the mind;

I. Amygdala (trigger for dread/tension) HPA dynamic triggers (flight or

battle) reaction tactile signs travel to hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

ii. Basic clinical or actual causing tension manifestations - hyperthyroidism

Cardiovascular arrhythmias, asthma prescriptions, energizers, withdrawal.

iii. Serotonin - connected to wretchedness and tension.

o Psychological

Various psychological elements, such as conflicts in the mind,

emotions, learned behavior, and cognitions in personality development, are
to blame for anxiety disorders.
I. Negative Appraisal: Interpreting occasions as threatening improves the
probability of fostering a nervousness problem.

ii. Nervousness Sensitivity-a propensity to decipher physiological changes

in the body as indications of risk.

iii. Molding encounters

iv. Restricted feeling of control

o Social

Social connections models stress the effect of others, particularly

important ones, on human conduct. Depression decreased stress
tolerance, and low self-esteem is all linked to social isolation, lack of
emotional support, and intimacy. They are less likely to commit suicide,
suffer from mental problems such as depression and alcoholism, have
better health, recover more rapidly from an illness if they have a strong
social support system, and are overall happier and more positive.

Daily climate stress can deliver nervousness;

I. Neediness, horrendous mishaps, unfriendly working conditions, restricted

social help.

o Sociocultural

In describing anxiety disorders, it is important to consider a person's

race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious preference, financial
situation, and any physical limitations they may have. Members of certain
sociodemographic groups, such as gays and lesbians, may face distinct
pressures that are not encountered by members of other groups.

i. Culture can impact how nervousness is communicated, and individuals

with organic and mental weaknesses are bound to be impacted.

2.) What are phobias, what contributes to their development, and

how are they treated?
 Phobias are a kind of anxiety disorder that is characterized by
extreme dread of a certain item or scenario. The beginning of a phobia is
generally swift and lasts for longer than six months. Fear of spiders,
snakes, and heights is the most frequent. Childhood exposure to a feared
item or scenario may be the root cause of a specific phobia. Social phobia
occurs when a person is afraid of being judged by others in a certain
setting. Agoraphobia is a dread of a scenario because of the difficulty or
incapacity to get out of the circumstance. Individuals with particular phobias
might consider exposure treatment, in which the feared circumstance or
item is gradually exposed to the patient until the fear subsides. For
particular phobias, medication is ineffective. A combination of counseling
and medication is often used to treat social anxiety and agoraphobia. There
are several antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers that may
be used to treat this condition.

3.) What is panic disorder, what produces it, and how is it

treated?

Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, are characterized by

recurrent and unexpected panic attacks that disrupt daily life. Sudden bouts
of intense fear and physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating,
shaking, difficulty breathing, numbness, or a sense that something terrible
is about to happen are all signs of a panic attack. Within minutes, the
sensations reach their peak intensity. Fears of new attacks and a
reluctance to travel to regions where attacks have happened in the past
may continue to exist. We don't know why people suffer from panic attacks.
Panic disorder may be passed on from generation to generation. Smoking,
psychological stress, and a history of child maltreatment are all risk factors.
Anxiety disorders must be ruled out, like most medical conditions such as
heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use before a diagnosis can be
made. A questionnaire may be used to screen for the condition. Counseling
and medication are the most common methods of treating panic disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most often utilized kind of
counseling, and it is helpful in more than half of individuals.
Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers may be prescribed.
 4.) What do we know about disorders caused by exposure to
specific stressors or traumatic events?

It has long been known that battle exposure may lead to deviant
thoughts and actions, which we now refer to as mental illness, in certain
people. People who have been exposed to a traumatic or stressful event,
such as a natural catastrophe, an accident, torture, or physical or sexual
abuse as a kid may develop trauma- and stressor-related illnesses as a
result. There are four basic groups of symptoms associated with all other
trauma- and stressor-related diseases.

Intrusion Symptoms

Recurring, uncontrollable, and upsetting recollections, thoughts, and

dreams of the traumatic incident are all examples of intrusion symptoms.
Dissociative experiences, such as flashbacks, may also occur, in which the
person feels or acts as though the traumatic incident is repeating.

Avoidance Symptoms

When a person has avoidance symptoms, they are trying to keep

themselves and/or others (people, places, circumstances) from being
reminded of the traumatic incident. Trauma-related sentiments and stimuli
may take over an individual's life if they are avoided at all costs.

Negative Alterations

Depression, anxiety, dread, humiliation, and a sense of loneliness are

all symptoms of a traumatic experience that have altered one's mood and
cognition in negative ways.

Hyper-Arousal Symptoms

Jumpiness, irritability, rage outbursts, self-destructive conduct,

difficulty focusing, and difficulty sleeping are all signs of hyper-arousal.

5.) In what ways can stress affect our physical health?

One’s health might suffer greatly as a result of chronic stress. A wide

range of symptoms and organ systems may be affected, including:
Digestive System

During times of stress, the blood sugar levels in the liver rise to give a
quick energy boost. The body may have difficulty breaking down the extra
glucose, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes if this occurs
often. An upset stomach or acid reflux may also occur because of the surge
in stress hormones, which create more stomach acid.

Cardiovascular System

When one is under stress, the heart has to work harder and quicker
to get more blood to the vital organs and muscles, which might lead to an
increase in blood pressure. Over time, this may lead to major health
consequences, such as strokes and heart attacks, because of the stress on
the heart.

Respiratory System

To get more oxygen-rich blood into the body during the stress
reaction, one inhales more quickly. Inhalation and exhalation muscles may
become stiff, which can lead to shortness of breath. Even if one doesn't
have asthma, stress might make it more difficult to breathe if one already
does.

Immune System

The immune system is aided in the healing of wounds and injuries by

the body's stress reaction. As one’s immune system weakens over time,
one becomes more susceptible to diseases like the flu or the common cold.
It may also take longer for one to recover from diseases.

Reproductive System

The male and female reproductive systems, in particular fertility and

desire, may be negatively impacted by stress. Stress may cause a man's
testosterone levels to decline. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side
effect of this medication. For some women, their menstrual cycle may be
affected. Premenstrual symptoms might worsen, and periods may cease or
become irregular.
Muscular System

Muscles stiffen up to defend themselves from damage when the body

is under stress. If one is always feeling overloaded, their muscles may not
have a chance to rest, which may lead to aches and pains. This might
produce headaches, making it difficult to sleep or participate in social
events.