anxiety (clinical) Flashcards
what part of brain decides whether we need the stress/fear response
amygdala via thalamus
what hormones are released in response to the stress/fear
cortisol (from adrenals)
adrenaline
what happens in anxiety disorder
exaggerated stress response
3 groups of symptoms of anxiety
physical
cognitive
behavioural
examples of physical symptoms
sweating trembling/tremor numbness/tingling hot flushes muscle tension dizziness/faint dry mouth dysphagia/choking SOB/palpitations nausea
examples of cognitive symptoms
loss of control on edge cant concentrate derealisation - objects aren't real depersonalization - feeling distant racing thoughts meta-worry
behavioural symptoms of anxiety
avoidance difficulty sleeping excessive use of alcohol/drugs inability to relax irritability seeking reassurance checking behaviours
what is generalised anxiety disorder
anxiety is:
generalised
persistent
excessive and inappropriate to circumstances
time frame for GAD
most days for >6 months
must cause significant distress/impairment in function
essential features of panic disorder
recurrent attacks of severe anxiety
unpredictable (not restricted to any situation) - PANIC ATTACKS (last 30-45 mins)
agoraphobia - fear of certain situations
what can trigger panic attacks
lactate
re-breathing air (increased CO2)
what part of brain is responsible for panic attacks
parahippocampal gyrus in temporal lobe
what are the 3 types of phobia
agoraphobia
social phobia
specific phobia
persistent fear of one of more social situations where patient is exposed to unfamiliar people or scrutiny
social phobia/social anxiety disorder
recurrent obsessional thoughts and/or compulsive acts which are intrusive
OCD
