Anxiety Flashcards
Define Generalised Anxiety Disorder
A persistent, non-paroxysmal, general anxiety which is not triggered by anything specific but is persistent, uncontrollable and excessive
What must be ruled out in GAD?
Organic causes e.g. hyperthyroidism
Diagnostic criteria for GAD:
Must last >6 months
Must be causing impairment of function
Must be causing significant stress
List some physical symptoms of anxiety
Palpitations SOB / hyperventilation Sweating Nausea Muscle aches Headaches Dizziness Swallowing issues Chest Pain Tremor
List some behavioural symptoms of anxiety:
Avoidance of situations Aggression Irritability Insomnia Exaggerated responses to situations Constant need for reassurance Excessive use of drugs/alcohol
List some cognitive symptoms of anxiety:
Fear of losing control Hypervigilance Racing thoughts Depersonalisation Order and routine Derealisation Hypochondria
What hormone levels increase in acute stress situations?
Catecholamines
Cortisol
List the main forms of treatment for General Anxiety Disorder
CBT SSRIs and SNRI's Pregabalin Short term benzodiazepines Propranolol
Define Panic Disorder
Recurrent paroxysmal attacks of severe anxiety which is unpredictable and not triggered by environment or situation
List some of the dominant symptoms in panic disorder
Sudden onset SOB Palpitations Chest pain Choking Fear of dying, going mad or losing control
Define Agoraphobia:
A collection of phobias surrounding fear of leaving your home, being in crowded places, public transport etc
Often extremely inhibiting as patient cannot leave their home without suffering severe anxiety
List some treatment options for phobias;
Behavioural therapy Exposure therapy Benzodiazepines SSRI's SNRI's
Define Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
OCD
This is when a patient suffer either from recurrent obsessional thoughts or compulsive acts, which inhibit their daily function or are non-functional to their lives
How is OCD diagnosed?
Recurrent thoughts are in 1st person, unpleasant, recurring and often ego-dystonic
Obsessive behaviours are neutralising non functioning behaviours
Must Last >2 weeks most days and interfere with daily activities
usually a cause of significant distress, especially if the task cannot be completed
What percentage of patients with OCD will suffer at least one depressive episode?
60-90%
