IV. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a common and normal occurrence. However, a chronic, high level of anxiety indicates an anxiety disorder. Common Anxiety Disorders Some of the more common anxiety disorders include:
Roots of Anxiety Disorders Many different interactive factors influence the development of anxiety disorders. Biological Factors Many biological factors can contribute to the onset of anxiety disorders:
SSRIs and Anxiety Disorders Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drug commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. They raise the level of serotonin in the brain by preventing it from being reabsorbed back into cells that released it. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects sleep, alertness, appetite, and other functions. Abnormal levels of serotonin can lead to mood disorders. Conditioning and Learning Research shows that conditioning and learning also play a role in anxiety disorders:
Cognitive Factors Some researchers have suggested that people with certain styles of thinking are more susceptible to anxiety disorders than others. Such people have increased susceptibility for several reasons:
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Vocabulary to Know
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobia Panic Disorder Panic Attack Agoraphobia Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Obsession Compulsion PTSD Concordance Rate |
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