Anxiety 1 & 2 Flashcards
When a patient presents with anxiety-like symptoms, what 3 broad categories are on your DDx?
Organic (medical) Causes, Heart/Lung Causes, Psychiatric Disorders
Intoxication with what 3 substances that can result in anxiety-like Syx?
Caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines
Withdrawals from what 3 drugs can show anxiety-like symptoms?
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates
What 4 heart/lung problems commonly present in the ED with anxiety-like Syx?
Acute MI, PE, COPD, Asthma exacerbation
Describe the requirements for anxiety Dx
- Persistent (> 6 months) (shorter duration for children
- **Interfere ** with normal function
- Cause Significant Distress
3 Psychosocial events that can lead to anxiety
Traumatic event, extreme stressors, maladaptive coping skills
What percentage does genetics play in anxiety disorders?
30%
What is the general neurobiologic trend that contributes to anxiety disorders?
Decreased serotonin and decreased GABA activity. Also there is increased NE and in certain parts of the brain, Glutamate increase
What is the diagnostic criterion for General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
- Excessive anxiety/worry, occurring more days than not for > 6 m; > 1 event/activity
- Difficult to control worry
- Associated with > 3 of following Syx
- Restlessness
- Easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle Tension
- Sleep Disturbance
- Cause significant impairment
- No other explanation for Syx
What percentage of population have GAD?
3-5%
Which gender is affected more in GAD?
Women
What Tx is frequently used to treat CAD?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What medications are commonly used to treat CAD?
SSRIs, SNRIs, Buspirone (5HT1aR agonist), Benzos
What type of anxiety are Beta Blockers used to treat? What’s the shortcoming of these drugs?
Performance/social anxiety; Only treat the Syx
What are the Dx criteria for a Panic Attack?
An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort, peaks within minutes that is unexpected with > 4 of the following:
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Shaking/trembling
- Sensation of SOB
- Choking feeling
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chills/heat
- Paresthesias
- Derealization
- Fear of Losing Control
- Fear of Dying
What are the criteria for a Panic Disorder?
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
- > 1 attack followed by > 1 month of _>_1 of the following:
- Concern about additional panic attacks or consequences
- Significant maladaptive change in behavior related to attacks
No other explanation for Syx
What is the Dx criteria for Agoraphobia?
A. Fear/Anxiety about > 2 of the following:
- Using public transportation
- Being in open spaces
- Being in enclosed spaces
- Standing in line or in a crowd
- Being outside the home alone
B. Fear of not being able to escape situation
C. Situation almost always produces fear/anxiety
D. Avoids situations
E. Fear/anxiety out of proportion to actual danger
F. > 6 months
G. Causes significant impairment
H. No other explanation for Syx
In what gender are panic disorders more prevalent?
Female
What are the two therapies recommended for panic disorders?
CBT with systemic desensitization/flooding or Psychodynamic Tx
What meds are used in an acute panic attack? Chronic?
Benzos; SSRIs/SNRIs/Intermediate or Long Acting Benzos