Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders: Exam 2 Flashcards
A state of apprehension, dread, uneasiness, or uncertainty generated by a real or perceived threat whose actual source is unidentifiable
It is different from fear which is feeling afraid or threatened by a clearly identifiable external stimulus that represents danger
Is an emotional subjective response
Is commonly experienced by all human beings
Can be a healthy adaptive reaction
Can be considered pathological
Anxiety
When it alerts the person to impending threats
When it motivates the person to take action to solve a problem or to resolve a crisis
A healthy adaptive reaction
When it is disproportionate to the risk
Continues after the threat no longer exist
Interferes with functioning
Pathological
Comprise a group of conditions that share a key feature of excessive anxiety with ensuing behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physiological responses
Anxiety Disorders
Clients suffering from anxiety disorders demonstrate unusual behaviors such as:
Panic without reason
Unwarranted fear of objects or life conditions
Unexplainable or overwhelming worry
the wear and tear that life causes on the body
It occurs when a person has difficulty dealing with life situations, problems, and goals
Each person handles stress differently
Stress
An automatic physical reaction to stress mediated by the sympathetic nervous system
General Adaptation Syndrome
What are the 2 General adaptation syndrome stages that relate to an understanding of anxiety?
Adaptive
Maladaptive
________ is viewed as a nonspecific body response to any demand. Physical and __________ defenses are mobilized. The ______-___-_______ reaction occurs. Intense _______ is focused on the immediate threat or task. The body mobilizes to combat _____.
Stress
Psychological
Fight-or-Flight
Alertness
Stress
What are the 3 Stages of Reaction to stress?
Alarm reaction stage
Resistance stage
Exhaustion stage
Preparation for defense. What stage is this?
Alarm reaction stage
Blood shunted to areas needed for defense. What stage is this?
Resistance stage
Stores depleted; emotional components unresolved. What stage is this?
Exhaustion stage
Associated with the tension of everyday life
The person is alert, perceptual field is increased, learning is facilitated
Physiological responses are within normal limits
Affect is positive
What type of anxiety is this?
Mild Anxiety
Focus is on immediate concerns
The perceptual field is narrowed
Low-level sympathetic nervous system arousal occurs (increased pulse and respirations)
Tension and fear are experienced
What type of anxiety is this?
Moderate Anxiety
Focus is on specific details
Perceptual field is significantly reduced
Learning cannot occur
Sympathetic nervous system is aroused
Severe emotional distress is experienced
What type of anxiety is this?
Severe Anxiety
Dread and terror
Details are blown out of proportion
Personality is disorganized and unable to function
Physiological arousal interferes with motor activities
Overwhelming emotions cause regression to primitive or childlike behaviors
What type of anxiety is this?
Panic Anxiety (Panic attack)
Involves excessive worrying and high anxiety at least 50% of the time for 6 months or more
Quality of life is greatly diminished in older adults
Buspirone and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) are the most effective treatments
What is this disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Symptoms:
Restlessness
Fatigue
Excessive anxiety and worry
Increased muscle aches or soreness
Impaired concentration
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Describe Panic Disorder:
-Discrete episodes of panic attacks; no stimulus for panic response
-Peaks in late adolescence and the mid 30s.
-Diagnosed when recurrent, unexpected attacks followed by at least 1 month of concern/worry about future attacks
-Half of people with panic disorder have agoraphobia (fear of being in a situation where you can’t escape danger)
-Increase risk of suicide
-Avoidance behavior
-Primary Gain: relief of anxiety achieved by specific anxiety-driven behaviors
-Secondary Gain: attention received as a result of anxiety-driven behaviors
Assessment for Panic Disorder:
Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety
History
General appearance and motor behavior
Mood and affect
Thought process
Sensorium and intellectual processes
Judgment and insight
Self-concept
Roles and relationships
Physiological and self-care concerns
Nursing Diagnoses for Panic Disorder:
Risk for injury
Ineffective coping
Disturbed sleep patterns
Outcomes for Panic Disorder:
The client will be free from injury
The client will utilize effective coping mechanisms
The client will sleep at least 6 hours per night
Interventions for Panic Disorder:
Promote safety and comfort
Use therapeutic communication
Manage anxiety
Provide client and family education
Evaluation for Panic Disorder:
Individualized and based on the diagnoses and associated outcomes
Requires ongoing assessment to determine if outcomes were achieved
Intense illogical persistent fear of specific object or situation
Response is out of proportion to the situation or circumstance
Phobia
Categories of Phobias:
Agoraphobia
Specific phobia
Social anxiety or phobia
Categories of specific Phobias:
Natural environment
Blood – injection
Situational
Animal
Other types
Types of Behavioral Therapy:
Positive reframing
Assertiveness training
Systemic desensitization
Flooding
Exposure
Response prevention