1What are the main symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating
2What brain circuits and neurotransmitters are involved in GAD?
amygdala-prefrontal cortex circuit; GABA and serotonin dysfunction
3What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for GAD?
SSRIs or SNRIs
4What psychological treatment is most effective for GAD?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
5What defines a panic attack?
sudden intense fear with physical symptoms (e.g., palpitations, sweating)
6What brain structure is hyperactive in panic disorder?
locus coeruleus (noradrenergic system)
7What medication class is commonly used for panic disorder?
SSRIs or benzodiazepines
8What is a key diagnostic criterion for Social Anxiety Disorder?
fear of social scrutiny leading to avoidance
9How does classical conditioning contribute to social anxiety?
fear develops through negative social experiences (e.g., embarrassment)
10What medication can reduce physical symptoms of performance anxiety?
beta-blockers
11What is the primary treatment for specific phobias?
graded exposure therapy
12What neurological factor is implicated in phobias?
hyperactivity in the amygdala
13What are obsessions vs. compulsions?
intrusive thoughts (obsessions) vs. repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
14Which brain circuit is dysfunctional in OCD?
prefrontal-thalamus-basal ganglia loop
15What is the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
16What distinguishes PTSD from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?
PTSD symptoms persist >1 month post-trauma
17What neurological abnormality is seen in PTSD?
reduced hippocampal volume
18What medication class is used for PTSD?
SSRIs
19What is the hallmark symptom of Anorexia Nervosa?
restricted food intake leading to significantly low weight
20How does Bulimia Nervosa differ from Anorexia?
bulimia involves binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging)
21What neurotransmitter is implicated in eating disorders?
serotonin
22What are positive vs. negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
hallucinations/delusions (positive) vs. apathy/flat affect (negative)
23What brain structural change is common in schizophrenia?v
enlarged ventricles
24What dopamine pathway theory explains schizophrenia symptoms?
hyperactivity in mesolimbic pathway (positive symptoms)
25What is a major side effect of traditional antipsychotics?
tardive dyskinesia
26How do atypical antipsychotics differ from traditional ones?
target serotonin and dopamine with fewer motor side effects