Anxiety disorders Flashcards
covers : general anxiety disorder ,panic disorder ,social phobia ,phobias ,GMC
What is normal anxiety?
Normal anxiety is a self-limiting/transient response to external stressors.
What type of stimulus triggers normal anxiety?
A stimulus that is perceived to be potentially challenging or harmful.
What is the evolutionary function of normal anxiety?
It can enhance performance and attention.
What are the physiological responses associated with normal anxiety?
Fight, Flight, or Freeze responses.
How do normal anxiety and anxiety disorders compare physiologically and psychologically?
They have similar physiological and psychological features.
When is anxiety considered a disorder?
- When it is an excessive response to a stressor.
- persist for longer period than expected
- and/or become disabling /result in impairment of the individual’s functioning and QOL
What is a key characteristic of anxiety disorders regarding duration of the anxiety ?
The anxiety persists for a longer period than expected.
What impact can anxiety disorders have on an individual?
They can become disabling and result in impairment of the individual’s functioning and quality of life.
What is meant by “false alarms” in the context of anxiety disorders?
False alarms refer to inappropriate or excessive anxiety responses that occur without a real threat.
What does “brake failure” refer to in anxiety disorders?
It refers to the inability to control or stop the anxiety response, leading to overwhelming feelings.
What are the types of anxiety disorders listed in the DSM-5?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder / Social Phobia
- Specific Phobia
- Agoraphobia
- Separation Anxiety Disorders
- Selective Mutism
- Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
What additional disorders were included in the DSM-IV that are not in the DSM-5?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
How prevalent is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is highly prevalent.
Lifetime prevalence is ± 5%
What term is often used to describe individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
“Worriers.”
What are the characteristics of symptoms in Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
GAD has numerous variable symptoms, including excessive and continual worry and tension.
What are some psychological symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- Poor concentration
- Restlessness
- Irritability
What are some somatic symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Muscle tension
Headaches
Fatigue
How do symptoms of hyperarousal in GAD compare to other disorders?
Symptoms of hyperarousal are more common in other disorders, such as panic disorder and PTSD, than in GAD.
what does the DSM 5 criteria for GAD say?
( sorry you have to know the whole criteria there’s no other way)🥲
A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than
not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school
performance).
B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having been present for more days than not for the
past 6 months);
Note: Only one item is required in children.
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
2. Being easily fatigued.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying
sleep).
D. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a
drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
F. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder
What is the duration requirement for excessive anxiety and worry to be diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
The anxiety and worry must occur more days than not for at least 6 months.
What is a key feature of the worry experienced by individuals with GAD?
The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
List symptoms associated with GAD as per the DSM-5 criteria.
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
- Being easily fatigued.
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
- Irritability.
- Muscle tension.
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying
sleep).
How many symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of GAD, and what is the minimum duration for these symptoms?
Three (or more) of the six specified symptoms must be present for more days than not for the past 6 months; only one item is required in children.
What must the anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause for a diagnosis of GAD?
Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
What should be ruled out to confirm a diagnosis of GAD?
The disturbance must not be attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
What other mental disorders must be ruled out to confirm a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
- panic disorder
- social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- OCD
- separation anxiety disorder
- PTSD
- anorexia nervosa
- somatic symptom disorder
- body dysmorphic disorder
- illness anxiety disorder
- schizophrenia/delusional disorder.
what is the mnemonic “EGADS! I’m MISERA-ble!” for GAD stand for ?
“EGADS! I’m MISERA-ble!”
EGADS- Excessive and Generalised Anxiety, for most Days ,Six or more months .
MISERA-ble:
-Muscle tension
-Irretation
-Sleep difficulty
-Energy (decreased )
-Restlessness
-Attention (decreased )
What is the lifetime prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
The lifetime prevalence of GAD is approximately 5%
At what age does Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically onset?
GAD usually has its onset in childhood or adolescence.
What is the gender ratio for GAD in clinical settings?
The ratio of women to men with GAD is approximately 2:1.
What are some risk factors associated with GAD?
History of trauma (physical or emotional)
Family history of anxiety disorders
GAD frequently present simultaneously with which conditions ?
GAD is frequently comorbid with other anxiety disorders, as well as alcohol and drug abuse and depression .
What biological factors are associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
- Serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitters
- Dysregulation in the GABA and Cholecystokinin (CCK) systems
- Overactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
What psychosocial factors can contribute to the development of GAD?
- Trauma
- Negative child-rearing practices
What familial patterns are observed in individuals with GAD?
There is a genetic contribution, and family members of individuals with GAD have an increased risk of developing the disorder.
What is the typical course of GAD if left untreated?
GAD tends to be chronic with fluctuating severity.
How does stress affect the severity of GAD symptoms?
Symptoms of GAD often worsen during periods of stress.
What is the prognosis for individuals with GAD who receive treatment?
Individuals with GAD benefit significantly from treatment.
What are some common clinical presentations of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD presents with varied symptoms that may mimic a variety of medical conditions, such as breathing problems and gastrointestinal discomfort ( the person needs to see help if these are present ).
What comorbid conditions are often seen in patients with GAD?
Patients with GAD typically have comorbid mood disorders or substance-use disorders.
What are the two main approaches to treating GAD?
The two main approaches to treating GAD are pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for GAD?
The first-line pharmacotherapy for GAD includes SSRIs and SNRIs, such as escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine.
How should SSRIs and SNRIs be administered for GAD?
They should be started at a low dose, increased over a few weeks, and continued for 9 months to 1 year.
What are the risks associated with benzodiazepines in the treatment of GAD?
Benzodiazepines should be used short-term only (max 2-4 weeks) due to risks of dependency, rebound anxiety upon withdrawal, cognitive impairment, respiratory depression, and falls in the elderly.
What are some alternative pharmacological treatments for GAD?
Other treatments may include buspirone, beta blockers, quetiapine, and pregabalin as adjuvants.
What types of psychotherapy are beneficial for GAD?
Beneficial psychotherapies for GAD include reassurance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation exercises, and exposure therapy.
when is the onset of Benzodiazepine withdrawal sysmptoms and how long do they last ?
- The symptoms begin as soon as 6 hours after stopping and can last years after discontinued use.
What events happen during the Benzo withdrawal timeline ?
- Beginning stages of benzo withdrawal for1-4 days
- Acute withdrawal phase for 5-19 days
- Benzo withdrawal symptoms may come and go and lessen in severity for months -years .
Which symptoms are present during the beginning stages of Benzo withdrawal?
- Anxiety
- sweating
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
Which symptoms are present during the Benzo Acute withdrawal phase ?
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Weight loss
What happens during the last stages where the Benzo withdrawal symptoms are intermittent and less severe ?
The pt experience reduced symptoms, they can persist for up to one year or more depending on the severity of the addition .
What is the origin of the term “panic”?
The term “panic” is derived from Pan, the Greek god of nature, who was known for his mischievous behavior.
How is Pan, the Greek god, related to the concept of panic?
Pan was a mischievous but lonely forest sprite who would leap from behind trees to frighten unsuspecting travelers, causing them to “panic.”
What is a distinguishing characteristic of panic attacks?
The spontaneous quality of panic attacks is a distinguishing characteristic, meaning they occur unexpectedly and are unprovoked by external circumstances.
How does the initial panic attack typically occur?
The initial panic attack is usually spontaneous, occurring without any identifiable trigger.
What develops after the initial panic attack in individuals with Panic disorder ?
After the initial panic attack, individuals often develop apprehension about future attacks, known as anticipatory anxiety.
What is the hallmark feature of Panic Disorder?
The hallmark feature is the spontaneous, unexpected, and repeated occurrence of panic attacks.
How long do panic attacks typically last?
Panic attacks are short-lived episodes, usually lasting less than an hour.
What type of symptoms are associated with panic attacks?
Panic attacks involve intense anxiety or fear and a range of autonomic symptoms, often including cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
How quickly do panic attacks reach peak intensity?
Panic attacks have a sudden onset and reach peak intensity within minutes.
What must be ruled out for a diagnosis of Panic Disorder?
Panic attacks must not be better accounted for by another medical or psychological illness or a substance (e.g., caffeine).
How do panic attacks differ from those in social phobia, specific phobia, and PTSD?
The unexpectedness of panic attacks distinguishes them from those in social phobia, specific phobia, and PTSD.
What does the term “agoraphobia” mean?
Agoraphobia is derived from Greek, meaning “fear of the marketplace.”
How is agoraphobia related to Panic Disorder?
Agoraphobia often complicates Panic Disorder and involves a fear of experiencing a panic attack in public places where escape may seem impossible or embarrassing or help may be unavailable.
What behaviors may result from agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia often leads to avoidance of places or situations where panic attacks have previously occurred, such as shops, cinemas, restaurants, lifts, and airplanes.
Can agoraphobia be diagnosed in the absence of Panic Disorder?
Yes, agoraphobia can be diagnosed even in the absence of Panic Disorder, although many individuals with Panic Disorder develop agoraphobia.
What happen in severe cases of Agoraphobia ?
In severe instances pts become housebound .
What is the lifetime prevalence of Panic Disorder?
The lifetime prevalence is 1.5% to 3.5% or more.
How does the prevalence of Panic Disorder differ between genders?
Women are 2-3 times more likely to be affected by Panic Disorder than men.
What is a potential issue regarding the reported gender difference in Panic Disorder prevalence? and why ?
There is uncertainty about whether the difference is a true reflection of prevalence.
* Men are less likely to seek treatment and may self-medicate with alcohol.
How do men typically respond to Panic Disorder in terms of treatment?
Men are less likely to seek treatment and may self-medicate with alcohol.