Anxiety Disorders: Comprehensive Quizzes for Medical Students

Question 1

A client presents with recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense fear and physical symptoms. Which disorder is most likely being experienced?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 2

A client reports experiencing intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors related to fears of contamination. Which anxiety disorder is most likely being experienced?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Question 3

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 4

What is a defining characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry most days for at least six months

Answer

Sudden, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions due to fear of embarrassment

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter system is predominantly involved in panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 6

In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which technique is utilized to address phobias?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Answer

Relaxation training

Answer

Psychodynamic exploration

Question 7

Which medication class is a first-line treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 8

What is a core concept of the transdiagnostic approach to anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of common underlying mechanisms across anxiety disorders

Answer

Focus on treating specific symptoms rather than diagnoses

Answer

Emphasis on comorbid conditions

Answer

Long-term psychotherapy as the primary treatment

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 10

The defining feature of panic disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific situations or objects

Answer

Persistent worry about future events

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 11

Acrophobia refers to an intense fear of:

Accepted Answer

Heights

Answer

Crowds

Answer

Social situations

Answer

Animals

Question 12

Exposure therapy is primarily used to treat:

Accepted Answer

Phobias

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 13

Which medication is commonly prescribed for panic attacks?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Venlafaxine

Question 14

The hallmark symptom of social anxiety disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Intense anxiety in social situations

Answer

Excessive fear of crowds

Answer

Recurrent thoughts of harm

Answer

Depersonalization and derealization

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Positive coping mechanisms

Answer

Chronic illness

Answer

Family history

Answer

Personality traits

Question 16

In anxiety disorders, why is differential diagnosis crucial? Provide instances of typical comorbidities.

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders frequently coexist with other mental health issues and medical conditions.

Accepted Answer

Depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are examples of common comorbidities with anxiety disorders.

Answer

Differential diagnosis is unnecessary for anxiety disorders.

Answer

It is impossible to have more than one anxiety disorder at once.

Question 17

Which characteristic is unique to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared to other anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Constant and excessive worry

Answer

Frequent and severe panic attacks

Answer

Evasion of particular objects or situations

Question 18

Which subtype of generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent health concerns?

Accepted Answer

Somatic

Answer

Cognitive

Answer

Behavioral

Question 19

How do cultural factors impact the expression and presentation of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and expectations influence how individuals experience and express anxiety symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Cultural beliefs and attitudes influence help-seeking behaviors for anxiety disorders.

Answer

Cultural factors do not affect the prevalence of anxiety disorders.

Answer

Cultural factors are irrelevant in determining the appropriate treatment approach for anxiety disorders.

Question 20

Which symptom is characteristic of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry about everyday activities

Answer

Persistent avoidance of social situations

Answer

Ongoing muscle tension and irritability

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about a specific object or situation (e.g., fear of flying)

Answer

Excessive worry that is difficult to control, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months

Answer

Presence of at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance

Answer

Worry accompanied by clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as per the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Worry about a specific future event

Answer

Difficulty controlling worry

Answer

Physical symptoms of anxiety

Answer

Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months

Question 23

Which type of phobia involves an intense fear of heights that can cause significant distress or impairment?

Accepted Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Question 24

Which of the following is considered a first-line psychological treatment option for anxiety disorders, according to current clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Deep breathing exercises

Answer

Medication

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 26

Which of the following is a known risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety disorder

Answer

Healthy diet

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Hypertension

Question 28

Which of the following is a key component of exposure therapy, a commonly used psychological treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Gradual confrontation of feared stimuli

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Hypnosis

Answer

Psychodynamic exploration

Question 29

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Negative life events

Question 30

A hallmark symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is:

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry

Answer

Unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Avoidance of social or public places

Question 31

The defining characteristic of Panic Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Abrupt and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Constant and exaggerated worry

Answer

Evasion of open or crowded spaces

Answer

Intense fear of social interactions

Question 32

Which type of phobia involves an intense fear of specific animals?

Accepted Answer

Zoophobia

Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Social phobia

Question 33

In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders, a commonly used technique is:

Accepted Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication as the sole treatment

Answer

Hypnotherapy

Question 34

According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criterion for GAD includes:

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry on most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Question 35

A characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is:

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Question 36

A fundamental principle of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts

Answer

Exploring unconscious conflicts

Answer

Focusing on past experiences

Answer

Using relaxation techniques exclusively

Question 37

Which of the following is an evidence-based treatment for panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Antidepressant medication alone

Question 38

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for social anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Marked fear or anxiety in social situations where there is a possibility of being scrutinized or judged by others

Answer

Excessive worry about physical symptoms

Answer

Frequent panic attacks

Question 39

Which of the following is not a common symptom of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Irritability

Question 40

Which of the following medications is a first-line pharmacological treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressant

Question 41

Which of the following is a core component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry and apprehension

Answer

Intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation

Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Question 43

What is the defining characteristic of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer

Intense fear of a specific object or situation

Question 44

Which of the following is a type of specific phobia?

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Depression

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 45

What is the first-line treatment approach for individuals with GAD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 46

What is a common mental health condition that frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Heart disease

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Diabetes

Question 47

What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To gradually expose individuals to feared situations in a controlled environment

Answer

To reduce negative thoughts and beliefs

Answer

To teach coping mechanisms

Question 48

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive and intrusive thoughts or behaviors

Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Intense fear of a specific object or situation

Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Question 49

What is a defining feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Intense fear of a specific object or situation

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and tension

Answer

Phobias

Answer

Intrusive thoughts

Answer

Panic attacks

Question 51

What is the first-line treatment for specific phobias?

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Question 52

What is the DSM-5 criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and tension most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Intrusive thoughts and images

Answer

Phobias of specific objects or situations

Question 53

What is the role of medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce symptoms and improve function

Answer

To cure anxiety disorders

Answer

To replace psychotherapy

Answer

None of the above