Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
who suffers more from anxiety d/o?
women
what are sxs of anxiety?
fear h/a sweating palpitations tight chest stomach ache restlessness
what is the difference between fear and anxiety?
fear is response to a known threat
anxiety is response to an unknown threat
what physiology causes anxiety?
overexpression of norepinephrine
inc release of cortisol and HPA axis
possibly serotonin meds
what meds are effective in treating anxiety?
GABA agonists (SSRIs and benzos)
what is panic disorder?
acute panic attacks accompanied by feelings of impending doom
when does panic d/o most commonly develop?
early adulthood (age 25)
what factors contribute to likelihood of developing a panic disorder?
genetics (brain chemistry + structural changes)
may be learned behavior from parents
how long do panic attacks last?
ramp up of 10 min, lasts for 20-30 min-1hr
what determines dx of panic disorder?
recurrent panic attacks PLUS
- fear of additional attacks
- worry about how going crazy
- life changes as a result of the panic attacks
what is the ddx for panic attacks?
endocrine abn hypoglycemia cardiac conditions pulmonary conditions social phobia generalized phobia
what is a preferred therapeutic txment for PD?
cognitive-behavioral therapy
what is the MOST COMMON mental disorder for women?
phobias
what is the preferred txment approach of phobias?
behavior txment
exposure (desensitization, in vivo, flooding)
benzos may be prescribed
what is social phobia?
strong, persisting fear of situations in which embarrassment can occur
when is the peak age of onset of social phobia?
teen years
which neurotransmitters may be involved in social phobia?
norepinephrine
dopamine
how do you treat social phobia?
CBT PLUS meds
what is OCD?
intrusive, obsessive thoughts as well as ritualistic compulsive behaviors that cause distress
which is the most common comorbidity with OCD?
tourrette’s
what is the preferred txment for OCD?
CBT
what is agoraphobia?
fear of open spaces
what is PTSD?
sxs that develop after exposure to a traumatic life event fear and helplessness hypervigilance reliving the event avoidance
how long do sxs have to be present in order to dx PTSD?
one month
what population is most affected by PTSD?
young adults
how does PTSD manifest in children?
repetitive dreams/nightmares
what is commonly used to treat PTSD?
antidepressants
processing the event, relaxation techniques, coping mechanisms
what is generalized anxiety disorder?
excessive, free-floating anxiety and worry about many events or activities
when is typical onset of GAD?
late adolescence or early adulthood
which medications are commonly prescribed for GAD?
SSRIs and Benzos
what are the other forms of anxiety?
anxiety due to a general medical condition
substance-induced anxiety disorder
anxiety disorder NOS
mixed anxiety-depressive d/o
what is a good way for pts to think about PTSD?
it is a normal reaction to an abnormal set of circumstances
what is a good therapy for cognitive distortions?
CBT
what is a key red flag for GAD?
they don’t remember a time when they haven’t worried as much as they do
which substance is most commonly abused with anxiety disorders?
alcohol
