Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

who suffers more from anxiety d/o?

Answer 1

women

Question 2

what are sxs of anxiety?

Answer 2

fear
h/a
sweating
palpitations
tight chest
stomach ache
restlessness

Question 3

what is the difference between fear and anxiety?

Answer 3

fear is response to a known threat

anxiety is response to an unknown threat

Question 4

what physiology causes anxiety?

Answer 4

overexpression of norepinephrine
inc release of cortisol and HPA axis
possibly serotonin meds

Question 5

what meds are effective in treating anxiety?

Answer 5

GABA agonists (SSRIs and benzos)

Question 6

what is panic disorder?

Answer 6

acute panic attacks accompanied by feelings of impending doom

Question 7

when does panic d/o most commonly develop?

Answer 7

early adulthood (age 25)

Question 8

what factors contribute to likelihood of developing a panic disorder?

Answer 8

genetics (brain chemistry + structural changes)

may be learned behavior from parents

Question 9

how long do panic attacks last?

Answer 9

ramp up of 10 min, lasts for 20-30 min-1hr

Question 10

what determines dx of panic disorder?

Answer 10

recurrent panic attacks PLUS

• fear of additional attacks
• worry about how going crazy
• life changes as a result of the panic attacks

Question 11

what is the ddx for panic attacks?

Answer 11

endocrine abn
hypoglycemia
cardiac conditions
pulmonary conditions
social phobia
generalized phobia

Question 12

what is a preferred therapeutic txment for PD?

Answer 12

cognitive-behavioral therapy

Question 13

what is the MOST COMMON mental disorder for women?

Answer 13

phobias

Question 14

what is the preferred txment approach of phobias?

Answer 14

behavior txment
exposure (desensitization, in vivo, flooding)
benzos may be prescribed

Question 15

what is social phobia?

Answer 15

strong, persisting fear of situations in which embarrassment can occur

Question 16

when is the peak age of onset of social phobia?

Answer 16

teen years

Question 17

which neurotransmitters may be involved in social phobia?

Answer 17

norepinephrine

dopamine

Question 18

how do you treat social phobia?

Answer 18

CBT PLUS meds

Question 19

what is OCD?

Answer 19

intrusive, obsessive thoughts as well as ritualistic compulsive behaviors that cause distress

Question 20

which is the most common comorbidity with OCD?

Answer 20

tourrette’s

Question 21

what is the preferred txment for OCD?

Answer 21

CBT

Question 22

what is agoraphobia?

Answer 22

fear of open spaces

Question 23

what is PTSD?

Answer 23

sxs that develop after exposure to a traumatic life event
fear and helplessness
hypervigilance
reliving the event
avoidance

Question 24

how long do sxs have to be present in order to dx PTSD?

Answer 24

one month

Question 25

what population is most affected by PTSD?

Answer 25

young adults

Question 26

how does PTSD manifest in children?

Answer 26

repetitive dreams/nightmares

Question 27

what is commonly used to treat PTSD?

Answer 27

antidepressants

processing the event, relaxation techniques, coping mechanisms

Question 28

what is generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer 28

excessive, free-floating anxiety and worry about many events or activities

Question 29

when is typical onset of GAD?

Answer 29

late adolescence or early adulthood

Question 30

which medications are commonly prescribed for GAD?

Answer 30

SSRIs and Benzos

Question 31

what are the other forms of anxiety?

Answer 31

anxiety due to a general medical condition
substance-induced anxiety disorder
anxiety disorder NOS
mixed anxiety-depressive d/o

Question 32

what is a good way for pts to think about PTSD?

Answer 32

it is a normal reaction to an abnormal set of circumstances

Question 33

what is a good therapy for cognitive distortions?

Answer 33

CBT

Question 34

what is a key red flag for GAD?

Answer 34

they don’t remember a time when they haven’t worried as much as they do

Question 35

which substance is most commonly abused with anxiety disorders?

Answer 35

alcohol