12: Anxiety in Adults Flashcards
Is depression or anxiety more common?
Depression. 1:2 ratio of anxiety to depression.
What med is for short-term anxiety or terrible panic?
Benzos. These act as a bandaid. They don’t prevent anything. Avoid as first-line d/t addiction, but don’t withhold if needed.
What med is given for substance abuse problems (can prolong opioid high)?
Clonidine (BP med)
What are physical s/sx of anxiety (9)?
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Paresthesias (usually peripherally)
- Muscle tension/aches
- Dysphagia
- SOB
- Chest pain
- Diaphoresis
These meds are used as adjuncts for older and younger patients, but can make you sleepy.
Hydroxyzine/diphenhydramine
T/F Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is done in primary care.
False. Done by CBT therapist.
What med is given for fear of public speaking or interviews?
Propanolol
What are the DSM criteria for GAD (6)?
- Excessive anxiety/worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of things.
- Difficult to control the worry.
- Associated with 3 or more (only 1 required in children): restlessness, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance.
- Causes significant distress or impairment.
- Not attributable to effects of a substance.
- Not better explained by another mental disorder.
What is the mainstay of med treatment for anxiety?
SSRIs
What are mental s/sx of anxiety (6)?
- Excessive worry
- Feelings of impending doom
- Sleep disturbance (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
SNRIs can be used as therapy. So can 5-HT1A receptor partial agonists, such as buspirone. Why would buspirone be used?
As substitute for benzo. Not as effective, but safer (not addictive).
What is the long-term concern with tricyclics?
Tooth decay d/t dry-mouth side effect.
What is the purpose of CBT?
Desensitizes patients to anxieties and sets up coping mechanisms.
