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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Panic disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder
Michelle G Craske1, Allison M Waters
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. craske@psych.ucla.edu
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|August 25, 2007
Summary
This review examines risk factors for anxiety disorders like panic disorder and phobias. Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are linked to broad factors, while phobias relate more to specific life events.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders Research
Background:
- Review of empirical developments in anxiety disorder etiology.
- Discussion of current controversies and research gaps.
- Focus on panic disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common and specific factors in anxiety disorder etiology and maintenance.
- To discuss the relative contribution of broad risk factors.
- To examine the role of specific learning experiences.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of empirical developments.
- Analysis of risk factors including temperament, genetics, biology, cognition, and family variables.
- Examination of specific learning experiences.
Main Results:
- Broad risk factors significantly contribute to generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
- Specific life history events are strongly associated with circumscribed phobias.
- A hierarchical model is proposed for understanding these disorders.
Conclusions:
- Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are heavily influenced by underlying broad factors.
- Phobias are more strongly linked to specific life experiences.
- Further research is needed to clarify these etiological pathways.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
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01:09Preparedness and Phobias
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01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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