Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

Identify the symptom that is NOT commonly associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

Accepted Answer

Sudden and intense episodes of fear and panic

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Answer

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension

Question 2

Which feature is central to the diagnosis of Panic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent feelings of worry and apprehension

Answer

Avoidance of specific situations or activities

Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Question 3

Identify the type of phobia characterized by an intense fear of heights:

Accepted Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Social phobia

Question 4

Identify the primary behavioral treatment approach for managing anxiety disorders:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Peer support groups

Question 5

Which aspect is crucial in Exposure Therapy for phobias?

Accepted Answer

Gradually facing the feared stimulus in a controlled setting

Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

Answer

Using medication to suppress anxiety symptoms

Answer

Hypnosis to alter subconscious fears

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry and fear

Answer

Difficulty sleeping

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Restlessness

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 8

Which of the following is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique commonly used to treat panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Thought-challenging

Answer

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Answer

Social skills training

Question 9

Among the listed types of phobias, which one is the most prevalent?

Accepted Answer

Social phobia (fear of social situations)

Answer

Acrophobia (fear of heights)

Answer

Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)

Answer

Arachnophobia (fear of spiders)

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is strongly implicated in the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 11

What is the overarching goal of treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of symptoms to a manageable level

Answer

Complete elimination of all symptoms

Answer

Modification of maladaptive thought patterns related to anxiety

Answer

Enhancement of overall psychological well-being

Question 12

How does a phobia differ from generalized anxiety disorder in terms of the nature of the anxiety experienced?

Accepted Answer

Phobias involve specific and circumscribed fears, while generalized anxiety disorder involves more pervasive and diffuse worry.

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by physical symptoms, whereas phobias are purely psychological.

Answer

Phobias are more likely to develop in childhood, while generalized anxiety disorder typically emerges in adulthood.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between the two disorders.

Question 13

What class of medication is typically considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Question 14

Which of the following factors is NOT considered a protective factor against the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition to anxiety

Answer

Strong social support networks

Answer

Regular engagement in physical exercise

Answer

Effective coping mechanisms for managing stress

Question 15

How do cultural beliefs and norms affect the presentation and treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms can influence how anxiety symptoms are perceived and expressed.

Accepted Answer

Cultural beliefs about mental health can affect the likelihood of seeking treatment for anxiety disorders.

Answer

Anxiety disorders manifest and are treated the same way in all cultures.

Answer

Cultural background has no impact on the development or management of anxiety disorders.

Question 16

How does comorbidity affect individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Comorbidity can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment.

Answer

Comorbidity is rare in anxiety disorders, affecting less than 20% of cases.

Answer

Comorbidity does not impact the diagnosis or assessment of anxiety disorders.

Question 17

Distinctly identify a symptom that does not characterize Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Discrete panic episodes

Answer

Constant worrying

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Concentration difficulties

Question 18

Precisely name the phobia characterized by an intense fear of confined spaces.

Accepted Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Arachnophobia

Answer

Acrophobia

Question 19

Distinguish between a phobia and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) by identifying their defining features.

Accepted Answer

Phobias involve a specific, intense fear of a particular object or situation, whereas GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Answer

GAD involves a fear of enclosed spaces, while phobias involve a fear of heights.

Answer

Phobias are more common in women, while GAD is more common in men.

Answer

GAD is a more severe disorder than a phobia.

Question 20

In the treatment of anxiety disorders, what is the initial, crucial step?

Accepted Answer

Accurate diagnosis

Answer

Medication prescription

Answer

CBT implementation

Answer

Exposure therapy

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Muscle tension or restlessness

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 22

The primary characteristic of panic disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent worry and anxiety

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 23

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders because it:

Accepted Answer

Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns

Answer

Prescribes medication to directly reduce anxiety symptoms

Answer

Involves hospitalization and intensive therapy

Answer

Focuses solely on the underlying causes of anxiety

Question 24

Exposure therapy is a type of treatment for phobias that involves:

Accepted Answer

Gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation

Answer

Administering medication to reduce anxiety

Answer

Teaching relaxation techniques

Answer

Encouraging avoidance of the feared object or situation

Question 25

The main goal of treatment for anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the severity and frequency of anxiety symptoms

Answer

Eliminate all anxiety symptoms

Answer

Cure the underlying cause of anxiety

Answer

Prevent the development of future anxiety disorders

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Experiencing unexpected and repeated panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about multiple events or activities

Answer

Intense fear or anxiety triggered by specific situations or objects

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

Fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety about various broad life domains.

Answer

Difficulty sleeping

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 28

Which of the following is a specific type of phobia characterized by an intense fear of heights?

Accepted Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Arachnophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Question 29

Which of the following is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique used to manage anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 30

What is the biopsychosocial model of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

A theoretical framework that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders.

Answer

A model that focuses solely on genetic factors in the development of anxiety disorders.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

Phobias are specific and intense fears, while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.

Answer

Phobias are short-lived, while generalized anxiety disorder is chronic.

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

High income

Answer

Living in a rural area

Answer

Being male

Question 33

What is the goal of treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning

Answer

To change personality traits

Answer

To eliminate anxiety disorders completely

Question 34

Why is a multimodal approach often used to treat anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To target both mental and physical symptoms

Answer

To minimize medication side effects

Answer

To extend the length of treatment

Question 35

Which of the following is a central characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

Answer

Intense and specific fear of a particular object or situation.

Question 36

Which type of phobia involves an irrational fear of open or crowded spaces?

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Arachnophobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Question 37

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Healthy lifestyle

Answer

Male gender

Question 38

What is the primary goal of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in the treatment of phobias?

Accepted Answer

To gradually expose the individual to the feared stimulus while preventing avoidance behaviors

Answer

To prescribe medication to reduce anxiety symptoms

Answer

To change negative thoughts and beliefs about the feared stimulus

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Opioids

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 40

What is the term for the excessive or unfounded worry about health and medical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hypochondriasis

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Question 41

Which of the following is a common comorbid condition with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Cancer

Question 42

What is the primary role of a nurse in caring for individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Providing support, education, and advocating for appropriate care, while collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Answer

Conducting psychological therapy

Answer

Prescribing medication

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

Sudden, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry (difficult to control)

Answer

Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Answer

Physical symptoms (e.g., muscle tension, fatigue)

Question 44

Which type of anxiety disorder involves intense fear or avoidance of a specific object or situation?

Accepted Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 45

Which of the following is a common symptom of social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations

Answer

Intrusive thoughts of harm

Answer

Excessive worry about physical health

Question 46

Which subtype of GAD is characterized by persistent worry about potential misfortunes or disasters?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Separation anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Adequate sleep

Question 48

Which of the following is a key component of CBT for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Hypnosis

Answer

Free association

Answer

Dream analysis

Question 49

Which type of anxiety disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by intense fear or discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Question 50

Which symptom is a hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about various topics that is difficult to control.

Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations.

Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities.

Question 51

What type of anxiety disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Question 52

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for anxiety disorders. What does CBT focus on?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Answer

Accessing the unconscious mind through suggestion and relaxation.

Answer

Using electrical stimulation to induce seizures.

Answer

Managing anxiety primarily through medication.

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

Having a family history of anxiety disorders.

Answer

Regular exercise.

Answer

High socioeconomic status.

Answer

Adequate sleep.

Question 54

What is the defining feature of a phobia?

Accepted Answer

Intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities.

Answer

Excessive worry about a variety of topics.

Question 55

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach for anxiety disorders. What is the primary focus of CBT?

Accepted Answer

Teaching individuals coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their anxiety.

Answer

Exploring the unconscious mind and past experiences.

Answer

Focusing on the individual's self-actualization and potential.

Answer

Using creative expression to release emotional tension.

Question 56

Untreated anxiety disorders can lead to various complications. Which of the following is a potential complication?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Answer

Diabetes.

Answer

Cancer.

Answer

Heart disease (though stress can contribute to heart problems).

Question 57

What is a common co-occurring condition (comorbidity) with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Question 58

Which of the following is a self-help strategy that can be beneficial for managing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise.

Answer

Social isolation.

Answer

Smoking.

Answer

Excessive caffeine intake.

Question 59

Which of the following medications is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used for treating anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Escitalopram

Answer

Lithium (mood stabilizer)

Answer

Aripiprazole (antipsychotic)

Answer

Valproic acid (anticonvulsant, mood stabilizer)