Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
What is the most common psychiatric illness?
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety
Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of apprehension or dread that occurs in response to internal or external stimuli; it can result in physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.
Primary symptoms of anxiety disorders
fear
anxiety
A normal emotional response to anxiety consists of three parts:
- physiologic arousal,
- cognitive processes, and
- coping strategies
Who experiences anxiety disorders most?
Women experience anxiety disorders more often
than men
What are the levels of anxiety?
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
- Panic
Level 1 of anxiety
Mild
Level 2 of anxiety
Moderate
Level 3 of anxiety
Severe
Level 4 of anxiety
Panic
Mild anxiety is characterized as
motivational
Moderate anxiety
feeling something is definitely wrong;
nervousness/agitation; difficulty concentrating; able to be
redirected
Severe anxiety
trouble thinking and reasoning; tightened
muscles; increased vital signs; restless, irritable, angry
Panic anxiety
fight, flight, or freeze response; increased vital
signs; enlarged pupils; cognitive processes focusing on
defense
Learning is impossible.
One of the most common conditions of children and teens
Anxiety disorders
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) feel frustrated, disgusted with life, demoralized, and hopeless.
They experience a sense of ill-being and uneasiness and a fear of imminent disaster.
Diagnostic criteria for GAD
GAD is characterized by excessive (and irrational) worry and anxiety (apprehensive expectation) for at least 6months.
Ultimately, excessive worry and anxiety cause great distress and interfere with the patient’s daily personal or social life.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder include:
Muscle tension
Fatigued
Concentration problems
Restlessness
Irritability
Sleep disturbances