Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

What types of anxiety disorders are there?

Answer 1

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Panic attacks/Panic disorder

Agoraphobia

Simple phobia

Social phobia

Obsessive-Compulsions Disorder (OCD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Question 2

How long does it take for generalised anxiety need to be, for it to be diagnostic of GAD?

Answer 2

6months

Question 3

Name 3 differential diagnoses of GAD.

Answer 3

Hyperthyroidism, substance-induced anxiety, depression

Question 4

Define agoraphobia.

Answer 4

fear of crowded places and inability to excape rom them. Concerned that something embarassing is going to happen. Associated with panic attacks.

Question 5

What is the criteria for diagnosis of PTSD?

Answer 5

1. re-enactment (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares, hearing)
2. avoidance (e.g. avoid cars after accident)
3. hyperarousal (e.g. startle response, hypervigilance

all for >6 months post trauma

Question 6

What is the pharmacological management of OCD?

Answer 6

SSRI’s in high doses

Question 7

What is the pharmacological management of panic attacks?

Answer 7

paroxetine (SSRI)

Question 8

What is the pharamcological treatment of GAD?

Answer 8

Venlafaxine (SNRI)

Question 9

How would you treat the somatic symptoms of social phobia/anxiety?

Answer 9

propranolol

Question 10

which organic illnesses can mimic anxiety?

Answer 10

“Physical Health Hazards That Appear Panicky”

• P - phaeocromocytoma
• H - hyperthyroidism
• H - hyerglycaemia
• T - temporal lobe epilesy
• A - alcohol
• P - paroxysmal arrhythmias