Anxiety

Question 1

When does anxiety become pathological?

Answer 1

Anxiety is pathological when the patient has a bias to interpret non-threatening situations as threatening

Their concern about a stressor is also out of proportion to the realistic threat and can occur without external exposure to that stressor

Question 2

DSM criteria for anxiety

Answer 2

Excessive anxiety/worry about activities or events most days of the week for at least 6 months

Difficulty controlling symptoms of worry

Anxiety or worry that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life

As well as 3 other symptoms for adults

Question 3

Other symptoms associated with anxiety

Answer 3

Restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems

Question 4

What is negative cognition?

Answer 4

The bias to interpret non-threatening situations as threatening

These can be reinforced by context and memory

Question 5

What causes anxiety?

Answer 5

Underactivity of 5HT systems and overactivity of NA systems

Also reduced expression of GABAa receptors