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

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 threating improves the
probability of fostering a nervousness problem.

ii. Nervousness Sensitivity-a propensity to decipher physiological changes

in your 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 are 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 mental problems, 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?
Phenomena is 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 are the most frequent. A 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, as must 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.
Recurrences occur in up to 30% of those who cease therapy.
 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 again.

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 has 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?

Your 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, your liver raises your blood sugar levels in order to
give you a quick energy boost. Your body may have difficulty breaking
down the extra glucose, increasing your 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 you're under stress, your heart has to work harder and quicker to get
more blood to your 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

In order to get more oxygen-rich blood into the body during the stress
reaction, you inhale more quickly. Inhalation and exhalation muscles may
become stiff, which can lead to shortness of breath.. Even if you don't have
asthma, stress might make it more difficult to breathe if you already do.

Immune system

The immune system is aided in the healing of wounds and injuries by the
body's stress reaction. As your immune system weakens over time, you
become more susceptible to diseases like the flu or the common cold. It
may also take longer for you 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 oneself from damage when the body is under
stress. If you're always feeling overloaded, your 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.