Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Psychology

Chapter

Psychological Disorders

Question:

Psychological disorders, also referred to as mental disorders or mental illnesses, are conditions that disrupt an individual's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall mental well-being. These disorders can vary widely in terms of symptoms, severity, and duration. They encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, including mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and trauma-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, there are eating disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders, among others.

Psychological disorders can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. They often lead to significant distress, impaired functioning, and reduced quality of life for affected individuals. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and therapeutic approaches may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from mental health professionals. Timely intervention and understanding of these disorders are essential for individuals to lead fulfilling lives and manage their mental health effectively.

Which type of anxiety disorder involves irrational fears related to specific objects, people, or situations?

Options:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder

Social Phobia

Specific Phobia

Correct Answer:

Specific Phobia

Explanation:

Specific phobias are characterized by irrational fears related to specific objects, people, or situations.

Intense and incapacitating fear and embarrassment when dealing with others characterises social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

Another type of anxiety disorder is panic disorder, which consists of recurrent anxiety attacks in which the person experiences intense terror. A panic attack denotes an abrupt surge of intense anxiety rising to a peak when thoughts of a particular stimuli are present. Such thoughts occur in an unpredictable manner. The clinical features include shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, palpitations, choking, nausea, chest pain or discomfort, fear of going crazy, losing control or dying.

Generalised anxiety disorder consists of prolonged, vague, unexplained and intense fears that are not attached to any particular object. The symptoms include worry and apprehensive feelings about the future; hypervigilance, which involves constantly scanning the environment for dangers. It is marked by motor tension, as a result of which the person is unable to relax, is restless, and visibly shaky and tense.