Anxiety Flashcards
What are theories for anxiety?
- Underactive neurotransmitter (serotonin, noradrenaline, GABA)
- Psychological - behaviour, cognitive therapies (classical conditioning, negative reinforcement, cognitive theories)
- Neuroatomical - hyperactivity of amygdala, leading to anxiety
What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?
continuous, generalised anxiety for >6 months NOT triggered by a specific stimulus
Minimum 4 symptoms
Causes worrying about anything
What are differential diagnoses for GAD?
Organic: hyperthyroidism, substance misuse (intoxication,withdrawal), excess caffeine
Depression/mixed anxiety and depression
> anxiety symptoms are common in depression
> diagnose whichever came first
Another anxiety disorder
- panic disorder / social anxiety disorder / PTSD
Anxious/avoidant Personality Disorder
Dementia
Schizophrenia
What are symptoms of GAD?
Psychological:
- fears/worries
- poor concentration
- irritability
- unreality (depersonalisation, derealisation)
- insomnia
- night terrors
Motor symptoms:
- restless, fidgety
- unable to relax
Neuromuscular:
- trembling, tremor
- headache (tension headache)
- muscle ache
- dizziness
- tinnitus
GI
- dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
- nausea
- indigestion, stomach pains
- butterflies in stomach
- flatulence
- frequent, loose stool
CV
-palpitations
Resp
- difficulty inhaling
- tight,constricted chest
GU
- urinary frequency
- erectile dysfunction
- amenorrhoea
What are phobic anxiety disorders?
Intermittent anxiety occurring in SPECIFIC but ordinary circumstances
What does the seriousness of a phobia depend on?
On how easily the person can avoid the thing they fear
So on what kind of disability it causes
What is agoraphobia?
fear of being unable to escape to a safe place
> fear of open spaces /confined places
What are examples of places someone with agoraphobia will struggle with?
trains, planes, lifts, supermarkets, large crowds
What are symptoms of agoraphobia?
Overwhelming urge to return to safety
Prospect of leaving home generates anxiety
Presence of dependable companion helps
What are differentials for agoraphobia?
Depression (social withdrawal)
Social phobia (fear of scrutiny, humiliation)
OCD (rituals can confine people to their homes)
Schizo (confined to home, esp if paranoid)
What is a social phobia?
Social anxiety disorder
The fear of being scrutinised or criticised by others
What situations are hard for those with social phobia?
Small groups, where the focus is on them
Dinner parties, board meetings, public speaking
How do patients with social phobia self medicate?
With alcohol/drugs
What are differentials for social phobia?
Shyness
Agoraphobia (getting to safe space > social scrutiny)
Anxious PD (PPP)
ASD
When do specific phobias develop?
In childhood
What is panic disorder?
Intermittent anxiety with no obvious trigger and recurrent panic attacks for several months
What are patients with panic disorder like in between episodes?
Free of anxiety
How do you investigate anxiety disorder?
history and physical exam
Anxiety Rating scale
Social and occupational assessment for QoL assessment
COllateral hx
What are examples of anxiety rating scales?
GAD7 questionnaire
Beck anxiety inventory
What is the benefit of using anxiety rating scales?
They provide a baseline score for measuring treatment response
How do you manage anxiety disorders without medication?
Mild - advice and reassurance
Basic counselling
Problem-solving (to help deal with stressors)
Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises
CBT - provided by IAPT
What kind of therapy is good for phobias?
Exposure therapy
- gradual exposure to threat > desensitisation
- Habituation
- Extinction
What is pharm management for anxiety disorders?
Antidepressants:
- SSRI - therapeutic dose for anxiety higher than for depression and response takes longer (6-8 weeks)
- SNRI
- TCA
Anxiolytics:
- Buspirone (increases action of SSRI)
- Pregabalin
- Benzodiazepines
Beta-blockers (for adrenergic sx)
What is the MOA of Buspirone?
Serotonin Partial Agonist