Crash Course: OCD & Anxiety Disorders

Why is it generally unacceptable to joke about physical illnesses but not mental illnesses?

• Society accepts mental illness jokes as a form of humor.

• Jokes about physical illnesses are not funny.

• Mental illnesses are not visible and thus often misunderstood.

• Physical illnesses are more serious than mental illnesses.

What is the primary difference between feeling anxious and having an anxiety disorder?

• Normal anxiety does not involve fear.

• Anxiety disorders are less severe than normal anxiety.

• Only anxiety disorders involve physical symptoms.

• Feeling anxious is a temporary state, while an anxiety disorder is persistent and disruptive.

What characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

• Unwanted repetitive thoughts and compulsive actions to relieve anxiety.

• Frequent mood swings and unpredictable behavior.

• A preference for cleanliness and order.

• An intense fear of social situations.

What is a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

• Specific phobias like fear of heights.

• Compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety.

• Persistent, unfocused worry and tension.

• Sudden and intense episodes of fear.

According to the learning perspective, how can anxiety disorders develop?

• Due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

• By observing others' anxious behaviors.

• As a result of personal choices.

• Through genetic inheritance.

What role does natural selection play in the development of common fears?

• It may explain why certain fears are more common, as cautious ancestors were more likely to survive.

• It favors individuals with no fears.

• It encourages the development of new fears.

• It has no impact on fear development.

How does reinforcement contribute to the persistence of phobias?

• By avoiding the feared object, the individual feels temporary relief, reinforcing the behavior.

• Through positive feedback when confronting the fear.

• Through cognitive behavioral therapy.

• By receiving medication that reduces symptoms.