Question

Carmen described an incident in which her anxiety suddenly rose to a peak and she felt a sense of impending doom. Carmen experienced a(n) ________ _________.

Short answer

Panic attack

Step-by-step solution

Understand Description

First, it is crucial to understand the feelings Carmen describes: her anxiety 'suddenly rose to a peak' and she 'felt a sense of impending doom'. The intensity of emotions and the suddenness of their emergence are key characteristics.

Match With Known Terminology

Next, take note of the terms used in Psychology to describe heightened states of anxiety. These would typically include panic attacks, phobias, anxiety disorders, etc. In this case, the most fitting term would be a 'panic attack'. This term refers to a sudden, generally short-lived episode of extreme fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

Complete the Sentence

Lastly, fill in the blanks with the identified term. Two-word terms that might fit could be 'severe panic', 'major panic', 'acute panic', etc. Since the standard term is usually 'panic attack', here we can confidently say that 'Carmen experienced a panic attack'.

Key concepts

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

When discussing anxiety disorders, it's essential to acknowledge that they encompass a range of mental health conditions characterized by persistent and excessive fear or anxiety. Unlike the brief anxiety experienced before an event like a public speech, anxiety disorders persist and may worsen over time, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.

These conditions can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder are a few types under this broad category. For instance, in the exercise, Carmen's intense, abrupt experience aligns with symptoms commonly associated with a Panic Disorder, not just normal anxiety.

Decoding Psychological Terminology

The field of psychology is rich with specific terminology that helps professionals accurately diagnose and discuss mental health conditions. Terms like 'panic attack' or 'anxiety disorder' are not merely jargon but serve as critical communication tools.

Understanding these terms facilitates better comprehension and treatment of mental health issues. A 'panic attack,' the term identified in the exercise, specifically describes an acute episode of intense anxiety and fear, which is a complex psychological and physiological response to perceived threats, even if those threats are not present.

Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety

Identifying symptoms of anxiety is crucial for early intervention and management of anxiety disorders. Common symptoms include feelings of nervousness or restlessness, increased heart rate, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating.

These symptoms can be episodic or ongoing, based on the type of anxiety disorder. Panic attacks, such as what Carmen experienced, typically feature an overwhelming sense of doom and may include chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or abdominal distress. Being familiar with these symptoms could encourage individuals to seek professional help and support.