Psychology: Understanding Psychology: Student Web Activity: Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Psychological Disorders

"Anxiety Disorders"

Introduction
Charles Darwin was an outgoing college student who loved sports and the outdoors. By his late twenties though, he developed heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling accompanied by a nagging sensation of fear. His adult life was spent removed from other people, intensely devoted to his work—developing the theory of evolution. Looking at his journals and habits, some doctors have speculated that Darwin suffered from a panic disorder aggravated by agoraphobia—an anxiety disorder in which people fear being in public areas from where they believe escape would be difficult. We will never know if Darwin truly suffered from a panic disorder and agoraphobia, but you can read about those and other anxiety disorders at the Anxiety Disorder Association of America's Web site.

Destination Title: Anxiety Disorder Association of America
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Directions

Start at the Anxiety Disorder Association of America Web site.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. Describe the differences between specific phobias, social phobias, and agoraphobia.

2. What symptoms do children with generalized anxiety disorder have?

3. Why is it difficult for individuals with panic disorder to get a correct diagnosis?

4. Describe the methods used to treat anxiety disorders.

5. Because anxiety disorders are the most common form of psychological problems, it is possible that you may one day know someone with an anxiety disorder. On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph describing how you could use what you have learned to help someone with an anxiety disorder.