Anxiety Flashcards
What is generalised anxiety disorder GAD?
Persistent anxiety nor confined to a situation or object
What are the key features of anxiety?
Restlessness, nervousness Fatigue Poor concentration Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance
What kins of sleep disturbance is commonly seen in GAD?
Insomnia
Frequent wakening
Nightmares and night terrors
What are some psychological symptoms of GAD?
Sensitivity to noise
Worrying thoughts
What are some autonomic symptoms of GAD?
Dyspepsia, dry mouth, nausea, wind Sweating Dizziness Palpitations Abnormal periods Erectile failure
What are some physical symptoms of GAD?
Tremor
Headache
Muscle pain
Hyperventilation
How is GAD diagnosed?
At least 6 months of excessive worry about evryday issues that is disproportionate to risk and id causing significant stress and impairment
At least 3 key features most of the time
What are some differentials for GAD?
Hypethtyroid
Cardiac disease- arrhythmia, SVT
Medication induced- salbutamol, corticosteroids, antidepressants
What is the stepwise management of GAD?
- education and active monitoring
- Low intensity psych interventions
- High intensity psych interventions and drug therapy
What are some psych therapies used in GAD?
CBT
Applied relaxation
What are some drug therapies used in GAD?
Sertraline= 1st line
benzodiazepines
Beta blockers
What is phobic anxiety disorder?
Anxiety occurring in particular circumstances
What are the features of phobic anxiety disorder?
Predominant= nausea, dizziness, fainting, tremor, tachycardia, hyperventilation
Anticipatory anxiety
behavioural avoidance
What is the management of phobic anxiety?
- Education and advice
- CBT with exposure therapy
- Medication if interfering with usual activities- benzodiazepines
What is panic disorder?
Recurrent panic attacks, worry about future attacks and changes in behaviour as a consequence of attacks
