![]() As you may recall, classical conditioning is a form of learning in which a previously neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that reflexively elicits an unconditioned response (UCR), eliciting the same response through its association with the unconditioned stimulus. The first pathway is through classical conditioning. Rachman (1977) proposed that phobias can be acquired through three major learning pathways. Many theories suggest that phobias develop through learning. About 1.4% of Americans experience agoraphobia during their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). These situations include public transportation, open spaces (parking lots), enclosed spaces (stores), crowds, or being outside the home alone (APA, 2013). Agoraphobia, which literally means “fear of the marketplace,” is characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of situations in which it might be difficult to escape or receive help if one experiences symptoms of a panic attack (a state of extreme anxiety that we will discuss shortly). One type of phobia, agoraphobia, is listed in the DSM-5 as a separate anxiety disorder. Specific phobias are common in the United States, around 12.5% of the population will meet the criteria for a specific phobia at some point in their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). Clinicians who have worked with people who have specific phobias have encountered many kinds of phobias, some of which are shown in. For example, a man with a phobia of flying might refuse to accept a job that requires frequent air travel, thus negatively affecting his career. Typically, the fear and anxiety a phobic stimulus elicits is disruptive to the person’s life. ![]() Even though people realize their level of fear and anxiety in relation to the phobic stimulus is irrational, some people with a specific phobia may go to great lengths to avoid the phobic stimulus (the object or situation that triggers the fear and anxiety). A person diagnosed with a specific phobia (formerly known as simple phobia) experiences excessive, distressing, and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (such as animals, enclosed spaces, elevators, or flying) (APA, 2013). Anxiety disorders are the most frequently occurring class of mental disorders and are often comorbid with each other and with other mental disorders (Kessler, Ruscio, Shear, & Wittchen, 2009). Also, these disorders appear to be much more common in women than they are in men within a 12-month period, around 23% of women and 14% of men will experience at least one anxiety disorder (National Comorbidity Survey, 2007). population meets the criteria for at least one anxiety disorder during their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2005). As a group, anxiety disorders are common: approximately 25%–30% of the U.S. Although anxiety is universally experienced, anxiety disorders cause considerable distress. Some people, however, experience anxiety that is excessive, persistent, and greatly out of proportion to the actual threat if one’s anxiety has a disruptive influence on one’s live, this is a strong indicator that the individual is experiencing an anxiety disorder.Īnxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety, and by related disturbances in behavior (APA, 2013). This woman likely would experience anxiety of greater intensity and duration than would a 21-year-old college junior who is having trouble finding a date for the annual social. For example, suppose a single woman in her late 30s who wishes to marry is concerned about the possibility of having to settle for a spouse who is less attractive and educated than desired. Most individuals’ level and duration of anxiety approximates the magnitude of the potential threat they face. Anxiety also motivates us to avoid certain things-such as running up debts and engaging in illegal activities-that could lead to future trouble. Anxiety motivates us to take actions-such as preparing for exams, watching our weight, showing up to work on time-that enable us to avert potential future problems. While anxiety is unpleasant to most people, it is important to our health, safety, and well-being. Fear involves an instantaneous reaction to an imminent threat, whereas anxiety involves apprehension, avoidance, and cautiousness regarding a potential threat, danger, or other negative event (Craske, 1999). Although anxiety is closely related to fear, the two states possess important differences. Describe basic psychological and biological factors that are suspected to be important in the etiology of anxiety disorderĮverybody experiences anxiety from time to time. ![]() List and describe the major anxiety disorders, including their main features and prevalence.Distinguish normal anxiety from pathological anxiety.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
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