anxiety Flashcards
What is anxiety?
An uncomfortable state with psychological and physical components.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Fear, apprehension, dread, and uneasiness.
What are the main types of Anxiety Disorders?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, OCD, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Phobias.
What are the main Trauma- & Stressor-related Disorders?
Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD.
What non-drug therapies help with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Lifestyle changes, CBT, relaxation therapy, meditation.
Which drug classes are used for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
SSRIs, SNRIs, Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines.
Which drug classes are used for Panic Disorder?
SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Benzodiazepines (for acute episodes).
What is the treatment for OCD?
CBT, SSRIs, TCAs.
What is the first-line treatment for phobias?
CBT and Exposure Therapy.
What are the treatment options for Social Anxiety Disorder?
CBT, SSRIs, SNRIs, Benzodiazepines, MAOIs, Gabapentin, Pregabalin.
What is the treatment for PTSD?
CBT, SSRIs, SNRIs, Antipsychotics, TCAs.
What are Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs used for?
Anxiety and insomnia.
What do sedative drugs do?
Produce calm and relaxation, reduce excitement.
What do hypnotic drugs do?
Induce sleep.
What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Improve the efficacy of GABA in the body.
Which benzodiazepines are commonly used?
Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Oxazepam.
What are the uses of benzodiazepines besides anxiety?
Induction of general anesthesia, seizure disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal.
What are common adverse effects of benzodiazepines?
CNS depression (sedation, lightheadedness, ataxia, cognitive impairment), anterograde amnesia, paradoxical reactions (insomnia, excitation, euphoria, rage).
Why is combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or barbiturates dangerous?
Increases CNS depression, can lead to respiratory failure.
What are the signs of benzodiazepine toxicity?
Oral overdose: drowsiness, lethargy, confusion. IV overdose: respiratory depression, severe hypotension, cardiac/respiratory arrest.
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumazenil (competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist).
Why should benzodiazepines not be used in pregnancy/lactation?
They cross the placenta and affect the baby.
What schedule are benzodiazepines classified as?
Schedule IV controlled substances.
Who should avoid benzodiazepines?
People with sleep apnea, respiratory depression, glaucoma.
What conditions require caution when using benzodiazepines?
Older adults, liver/kidney impairment, history of substance use disorder.
Which foods or drugs interact with benzodiazepines?
CNS depressants, grapefruit juice, fatty meals.
What is an atypical anxiolytic that is not a controlled substance?
Buspirone.
Why is Buspirone different from benzodiazepines?
No abuse potential, no CNS depression, no interaction with CNS depressants.
How long does Buspirone take to work?
At least 1 week for initial effects, 2–4 weeks for full response.
How is Buspirone introduced in treatment?
Started with a benzodiazepine, then the benzodiazepine is weaned off.
What are the adverse effects of Buspirone?
Dizziness, nausea (take with food), headache, lightheadedness, agitation, constipation, suicidal ideation.
What are the contraindications for Buspirone?
Use with MAOIs (must wait 14+ days).
What increases the effects of Buspirone?
Erythromycin, ketoconazole, St. John’s wort, grapefruit juice.
