Explain the concept of "functional impairment" with respect to anxiety. How does this concept help the psychologist determine a diagnosis?
What will be an ideal response?
It is the degree to which the disorder interferes with normal life activities. It is a key feature of the anxiety disorders (and others) and it helps the psychologist differentiate normal or temporary anxiety from an anxiety disorder.
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A defendant on trial in the United States says that although he knows he pulled the trigger that killed the victim, he did not know that what he was doing was wrong. Under the guidelines of the McNaughton rule, could the man claim insanity?
a. Yes, because he did not know he was doing something wrong. b. No, because he knows that he pulled the trigger. c. No, because the McNaughton rule does not apply in the United States. d. No, because he should have been able to suppress his actions.
According to the textbook's discussion on anxiety:
a. panic attacks are called the fear of fears because people feel that they are dying. b. in many situations it is sensible to feel anxiety, and in fact, this emotion is often adaptive. c. posttraumatic stress disorder occurs within the first two days after a trauma. d. it is unusual for a mentally healthy person to experience a panic attack.