Anxiety Disorders: Definition, Classification, and Management

Question 1

Which of the following is not a core symptom of anxiety disorders, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

High scores on Intelligence Quotient Tests

Answer

Excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control, and out of proportion to the actual danger or threat

Answer

Absence of a clear trigger or recognizable threat

Answer

Impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Question 2

According to the DSM-5, which of the following types of anxiety disorders is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in specific situations, such as heights, closed spaces, or social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 3

When considering medication options for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder, which of the following classes of drugs is typically recommended as a first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the availability of serotonin in the brain

Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which affect both serotonin and norepinephrine levels

Answer

Benzodiazepines, which enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits neuronal activity

Answer

Antipsychotics, which primarily target dopamine receptors

Question 4

In assessing a patient for an anxiety disorder, which of the following factors is not typically considered relevant?

Accepted Answer

Educational level, as it is a strong predictor of anxiety

Answer

Cultural background, which may influence the expression and interpretation of anxiety symptoms

Answer

Medical history, as certain medical conditions can mimic or exacerbate anxiety symptoms

Answer

Family history, as there is a genetic component to the development of anxiety disorders

Question 5

A key characteristic of panic disorder is the occurrence of:

Accepted Answer

Intense, unexpected panic attacks that typically reach a peak within minutes

Answer

Persistent worry and tension about multiple topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms

Answer

Avoidance of situations that are perceived as threatening or unsafe, leading to significant impairment

Answer

Repeated thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress, often accompanied by compulsive behaviors

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Difficulty focusing and concentrating

Answer

Muscle tension and restlessness

Question 7

What is the recommended first-line pharmacological treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 8

What type of psychotherapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Question 9

Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Feelings of relaxation and well-being

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath or hyperventilation

Answer

Sense of impending doom or catastrophe

Question 10

What is the specific phobia characterized by an intense fear of heights called?

Accepted Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Social phobia

Question 11

In primary care settings, which of the following are non-pharmacological management strategies for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Accepted Answer

Exposure Therapy

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 13

Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Recurring panic attacks

Answer

Withdrawal from social interactions

Question 14

What is considered the primary diagnostic method for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Clinical interview

Answer

Physical examination

Answer

Blood test

Answer

Self-assessment questionnaire

Question 15

Which therapeutic approach is most commonly employed in the management of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

A combination of all three

Answer

Medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Lifestyle modifications

Question 16

What is the primary objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

To teach relaxation techniques

Answer

To enhance self-esteem

Answer

To reduce symptoms of depression

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark feature of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Euphoric mood

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Persistent restlessness

Answer

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension

Question 18

Which of the following is a core symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and excessive worry

Answer

Obsessive thoughts

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Question 19

The neurotransmitter implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 20

A patient presents with intense anxiety and avoidance of social interactions. Which anxiety disorder is most likely to be diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Question 21

The first-line pharmacological treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is:

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Question 22

Which of the following is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Solution-focused therapy

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 23

The primary objective of medication-assisted treatment for anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce symptoms and improve functionality

Answer

Cure the underlying cause

Answer

Prevent future episodes

Question 24

Which of the following is a significant risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

Excellent cardiovascular health

Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 25

The DSM-5 criterion that differentiates specific phobia from social anxiety disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Fear of a specific object or situation

Answer

Significant impairment in social or occupational functioning

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Answer

Intense anxiety in social settings

Question 26

Which of the following conditions is commonly comorbid with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Arthritis

Answer

Cancer

Question 27

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about a wide range of events or activities, most days for at least six months.

Answer

Persistent thoughts or images that cause significant distress

Answer

Repeated and sudden panic attacks

Question 28

Which type of anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and debilitating fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 29

Which of the following neurotransmitter systems is implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA and serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine and glutamate

Answer

Dopamine and norepinephrine

Question 30

Which diagnostic criterion for GAD specifies the duration of excessive worry necessary for a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Duration

Answer

Frequency

Answer

Impairment

Answer

Severity

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used first-line pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Question 32

Which type of psychotherapy has been shown to be particularly effective for treating social anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 33

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intrusive memories of a traumatic experience

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Persistent worry about future events

Question 34

Which of the following is a common comorbidity of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Hypertension

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a key symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 36

Which neurotransmitter system is consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 37

Which type of anxiety disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks without an identifiable trigger?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 38

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Absence of stressful life events

Answer

Excellent physical health

Question 39

According to the DSM-5, a key diagnostic criterion for Social Anxiety Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Fear of being negatively evaluated or embarrassed in social situations

Answer

Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions)

Answer

Excessive worry about weight or body shape

Question 40

Which type of comorbidity is most commonly observed among patients with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Cancer

Question 41

The primary goal of CBT for anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety

Answer

Increase self-esteem

Answer

Reduce symptoms through medication

Answer

Understand the unconscious roots of anxiety

Question 42

An example of a cognitive distortion common in anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Positive self-talk

Answer

Rational thinking

Answer

Mindfulness

Question 43

A patient presents with persistent excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating for at least six months. They also report feeling physically tense, having sleep difficulties, and experiencing fatigue. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 44

A patient describes experiencing recurrent episodes of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, and dizziness. These episodes onset suddenly and unexpectedly. Which diagnosis best aligns with these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Question 45

A patient reports intense fear and anxiety in social situations, particularly when they are the center of attention. They actively avoid social gatherings and public speaking. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Question 46

A patient presents with intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors focused on contamination. They engage in extensive handwashing and cleaning routines. Which diagnosis is most consistent with these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Question 47

A patient reports experiencing intense fear and anxiety when confronted with heights. They actively avoid situations involving heights, such as climbing stairs or riding elevators. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Question 48

Which neurotransmitter is most strongly linked to the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 49

Which class of medications is commonly used in the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Answer

Opioids

Question 50

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). What is a key element of CBT for anxiety management?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

Answer

Hypnosis and relaxation techniques

Answer

Supportive therapy and emotional validation

Question 51

Which condition is commonly comorbid with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer

Parkinson's Disease

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 52

A patient with panic disorder expresses concern about experiencing another panic attack and is avoiding situations that trigger their anxiety. Which intervention would be most beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy to gradually confront feared situations

Answer

Avoidance of all triggering situations

Answer

Supportive therapy without addressing the underlying fear