A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about panic disorders and associated theories related to the cause. When describing the cognitive–behavioral concepts associated with panic disorders, which of the following would the nurse expect to address

Question

A) Personal losses
B) Conditioned response
C) Early separation
D) Dysfunctional family communication

Answer 1

Ans: B
Learning theory underlies most cognitive–behavioral explanations of panic disorder with classic conditioning and interoceptive conditioning as the basis. Personal losses and separation reflect psychodynamic theories. Classic conditioning theory suggests that one learns a fear response by linking an adverse or fear-provoking event, such as a car accident, with a previously neutral event, such as crossing a bridge. One becomes conditioned to associate fear with crossing a bridge. Families affected by panic disorder have difficulty with overall communication, reflecting the family response to the disorder.