Anxiety Flashcards
What is the definition of anxiety?
Anxiety is the brain’s alarm system reacting to perceived threats.
What analogy is used to describe anxiety?
Anxiety = ‘False Fire Alarm’ 🚨 (sometimes it rings even when there’s no real danger)
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
- Avoidance
- Hypervigilance: Always on high alert, even when there is none
- Arousal: Increased HR, sweating, and agitation
How is anxiety classified in the DSM?
Anxiety is a spectrum rather than distinct disorders.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Worrying about everything, all the time.
What characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions), like handwashing or checking locks.
What are the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Flashbacks, nightmares, and fear after a trauma.
What is a panic disorder?
Sudden, intense fear attacks (panic attacks), even when there’s no obvious danger.
What is the main fear in Social Anxiety Disorder?
Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings.
What is comorbidity in anxiety disorders?
Anxiety often occurs with depression.
What are common treatments for anxiety disorders?
- SSRIs
- Benzodiazepines
- Therapy
Which brain regions are involved in anxiety?
- Amygdala
- Hippocampus
- Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
What is the role of the amygdala in anxiety?
It is the fear center, detects threats, triggers alarm 🚨.
What is the role of the hippocampus in anxiety?
Memory, contextualizes fear.
What does the Prefrontal Cortex do in relation to anxiety?
Rationalizes fear and acts as the ‘brakes.’
What triggers the fight-or-flight mechanism?
The sympathetic nervous system. (PAG and parabrachial nucleus)
What hormone is known as the stress hormone?
Cortisol.
What does norepinephrine (NE) do?
Triggers arousal (sweating, racing heart, makes you alert).
What is the function of GABA in anxiety?
Calming neurotransmitter (deficient in anxiety).
According to Lang’s Anxiety Spectrum, how is anxiety characterized?
Anxiety isn’t black-and-white; it’s a spectrum from mild worry to intense fear.
What did Ursin’s Parachute Study find about anxiety?
Anxiety decreases with repeated exposure.
What are the two types of fear pathways identified by LeDoux?
- Fast: Thalamus → Amygdala (quick gut reaction)
- Slow: Thalamus → Cortex → Amygdala (rational response)
What are SSRIs?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, such as Prozac and Zoloft. -increases serotonin
What is the function of benzodiazepines?
Increase GABA, but can be addictive.
What is the purpose of beta-blockers in anxiety treatment?
Reduce physical symptoms (heart rate).
What therapy is known for reframing thoughts to manage anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What is exposure therapy?
Facing fears gradually to reduce avoidance.
What does the cortisol debate in PTSD refer to?
Some people with PTSD have too little cortisol, keeping them in high-alert mode.
What did the PTSD twin study find regarding hippocampal size?
Smaller hippocampus = greater PTSD risk.
What brain circuits are involved in OCD?
Basal Ganglia + Cortico-Thalamic Circuits= stuck in a cycle
What is anterior cingulotomy?
A psychosurgery that may help severe OCD cases by severing parts of the CSTC loop.
What are newer experimental treatments for OCD?
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
OCD vs. OCPD
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
* Ego-dystonic (distressing to the person)
* Intrusive, unwanted thoughts and compulsions
OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder):
* Ego-syntonic (person sees their behavior as appropriate)
* Rigid perfectionism, orderliness, not distressing to self
Fear vs. Worry
Fear = Physiological Anxiety
* Sudden panic or phobic response
* Amygdala-centered
* Key circuit: Amygdala + brainstem connections
* Involves physical symptoms (e.g., HR ↑, breathing ↑)
Worry = Psychological Anxiety
* Rumination, anticipatory anxiety
* Cortico-striatal-thalamic circuit (CSTC loop)
* constant thought looping
What is the function of the PAG?
Coordinates fight/flight/freeze motor responses
What is the function of the parabrachial nucleus?
Para-bronchial → think “bronchi/lungs” → breathing symptoms
