Anxiety Flashcards
What is anxiety?
An uncomfortable feeling of vague fear or apprehension accompanied by physical sensations
What are the 2 basic components of anxiety?
- Physical symptoms
2. Mental symptoms
What are the 5 types of anxiety?
- Situational Anxiety
- GAD - Generalized Anxiety DIsorder
- Panic Disorder
- OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is characteristic of situation anxiety?
- transient - lasts no longer than 2-3 weeks
2. ends when situation resolves
What is characteristic of GAD and what are the “must have” symptoms?
MUST have 3 of the following 6:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle Tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
For GAD, when you have 3 of the 6 symptoms what are the other 2 things that MUST be present?
- for a period of 6 months or longer
2. unrealistic or excessive worry over 2 or more life circumstances
What is characteristic of Panic Disorder?
- acute - sudden onset
- very short episodes (couple hours at most)
- usually over fear of losing control
What are the 2 components of OCD?
- Obsession - persistent, intrusive thoughts
2. Compulsion - persistent, intrusive behavior in response to obsession (usually repetitious)
What are the 2 MOST important characteristics of OCD?
- Involuntary
2. Senseless
What 2 areas of brain are stimulated in anxiety disorders?
- Sympathetic Nervous System (part of PNS)
2. Limbic System (controls/regulates emotions/behaviors)
What are the 2 treatment approaches to anxiety disorders?
- non-pharmacological
2. pharmacological
What are the 2 categories of pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders?
- Benzodiazepines
2. Non-benzodiazepines
What is another name for pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders?
Anxiolytics
What 2 categories are the benzodiazepine drugs broken down into?
- Long-lasting
2. Short-lasting
What are the 3 Long-Lasting Benzodiazepines?
- Diazepam/Valium
- Chlorodiazepoxide
- Clonazepam/Klonopin
What else is diazepam used for?
skeletal muscle relaxant
What else is clonazepam used for?
seizures
What are the 3 short-lasting benzodiazepines?
- Temazepam
- Alprazolam/Xanax
- Lorazepam/Ativan
What action do benzodiazepines enhance?
Enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
What does GABA stand for?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
What are some common side effects of anxiolytics or benzodiazepines?
- CNS - sedation/fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anticholinergic
- Orthostatic hypotension
- GI - nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Skeletal Relaxation
What are the 2 NON-BENZODIAZEPINE categories?
- Azapirones
2. Beta-blockers
What is the MOA for azapirones?
bind to certain serotonin receptors to decrease serotonin activity
What is the azaprione drug to know?
Buspirone
What does buspirone NOT in the SE category?
- Sedate
2. Relax Skeletal Muscle
What does buspirone DO that’s a bit different?
mild anti-depressant
What does this make buspirone good for?
PTSD - a bit of anxiety and mild depression
What is the beta-blocker used for anxiety?
Propanolol
What else is propanolol used for?
Migraines, stage fright, HTN, angina, arrythmias and postMI
What patient is a BAD choice for propanolol use?
A patient with asthma or COPD, as it is a non-selective beta blocker and will cause bronchoconstriction.
