Anxiety and Related Disorders Flashcards
name + Explain the anxiety curve
Excessive fight or flight happens in situations where there is no need for it, and even after the stressor is gone:
How can anxiety “override the brain”?
Overactive amygdala -> Dampens PFC
Physical explanation of why you cant concentrate
6 mental symptoms of anxiety + 2 groups of physicalsymp.
Restlessness, inner tension & worry
Fear of dread, losing control or dying
Rumination & inability to concentrate
Fatigue, Irritable
Depersonalisation (thinking ur not really alive/there)
Derealisation - thinking your surroundings aren’t real
Autonomic symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, hot flushes, dry mouth and muscular tension
Chest and GI: hyperventilation, numbness, choking, chest/abdo pain & nausea
Describe the examination + investigations for anxiety
Want to rule out Hyperthyroidism - some similar symptoms
Describe GAD + 6 possible associated features
3 risk factors for GAD?
Women 7%, Men 4% in 45-59 age range
Low SES
childhood maltreatment & Conduct problems.
Drugs can make us anxious + cause low mood over long term. Diazepam = anxiolytic
Describe phobias. effect of them
prevalence?
give examples of Phobias
Fears which disrupt daily routines: work efficiency, reduce self-esteem, affect relationships.
Lifetime prevalence ~5%
Women 4X > Men
Animals, Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, agoraphobia (fear of dying), can be w or w/o panic disorder
Describe panic disorder, the aetiology, mean age of onset?
Recurrent attacks of severe anxiety (panic)
2 per week for 1 month, unpredictable
Aetiology: Agoraphobia, 2x in Women!
Mean age of onset 18 – 35
Describe social anxiety disorder
Consider asking two questions:
“Do you find yourself avoiding social situations or activities?”
“Are you fearful or embarrassed in social situations?”
What is the principle triad for PTSD?
What is the diagnostic guidelines for PTSD?
Onset: within six months.
Not diagnose-able within one month.
According to Nice, what is the stepped care model for GAD?
Might have to go straight to step 4 cause risk of self-harm.
