Anxiety Flashcards
Names of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), several Phobia-Related Disorders
Which gender are anxiety disorders more common In?
Women
Risk factors for developing anxiety disorders
can be genetic and environmental
- temperamental traits of shyness or behavioral inhibition in childhood
- exposure to stressful/negative life/environmental events in early childhood or adulthood
- family history of anxiety or mental illness
- physical health conditions (thyroid problems, heart arrhythmias, caffeine, substances/medication
Symptoms
- feeling restless, wound up, on edge
- trembling/shaking
- being easily fatigued
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- muscle tension
- feelings of doom
- rapid heartbeat
- blushing
- irrational worries about objects or situations
- difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- problems falling/staying asleep
How is it diagnosed?
primary health care provider performs a mental health screening
- questions about symptoms
- how long have you had them?
if necessary can be referred to psychologist or psychiatrist
How can it be treated
psychotherapy, medication, or both
cognitive behavioral therapy
teaches people different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to triggering situations
cognitive therapy
helps people to identify, challenge, and neutralize unhelpful or distorted thoughts
exposure therapy
helps people confront fears so that they can participate in activities they have avoided
Anti-anxiety medications
reduce the symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, or extreme fear and worry
Antidepressants
improve the way that the brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress
Beta-blockers
relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and blushing
