Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
What percentage of adults in the US are affected by anxiety disorders?
Approximately 34% of adults in the US are affected by anxiety disorders.
What percentage of people with anxiety disorders seek treatment?
Only about 20% seek treatment.
Which anxiety disorder involves a fear of being away from attachment figures?
Separation Anxiety Disorder.
What is selective mutism?
A disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social settings despite being able to speak in other situations.
What is a specific phobia?
An intense fear of a specific object or situation.
What is social anxiety disorder?
An intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
What is the main characteristic of panic disorder?
Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks that cause intense physical symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
What is agoraphobia?
A fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable if needed.
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.
What is substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder?
Anxiety caused by the use of substances or medications that affects the nervous system.
What is the main symptom of anxiety disorders?
Physical symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness, along with psychological symptoms such as nervousness, fear, and worry.
What medical condition can mimic anxiety by causing palpitations?
Hyperthyroidism.
What is the role of medical assessments in diagnosing anxiety disorders?
To rule out medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia that could mimic anxiety symptoms.
What is the sociocultural model of anxiety?
It explains anxiety as influenced by social and economic stressors.
What is the psychodynamic model of anxiety?
It views anxiety as stemming from unresolved emotional conflict and defense mechanisms.
What is the cognitive model of anxiety?
It explains anxiety as caused by maladaptive assumptions and distorted thinking patterns.
What is the biological model of anxiety?
It focuses on neurotransmitter imbalances, such as low GABA levels, contributing to anxiety.
What is the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What type of medications are used to treat anxiety?
SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes benzodiazepines for short-term relief.
What is a major risk of using benzodiazepines?
Dependence, cognitive impairment, and anterograde amnesia.
What is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)?
A therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to reduce anxiety and depression.
What is the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
4% annually, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 6%.
What is the typical age of onset for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Childhood or adolescence.
What is the typical treatment for GAD?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs.
What is the treatment for panic disorder?
SSRIs, antidepressants, and in some cases, benzodiazepines for immediate relief.
What is a key symptom of a panic attack?
Physical symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness, along with emotional fear of doom or losing control.
What is the prevalence of panic disorder?
Approximately 2-3% of the population.
How is agoraphobia treated?
Through behavior therapy, particularly In Vivo Exposure, to gradually confront feared situations.
What is a key symptom of agoraphobia?
A fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if needed.
What is the typical treatment for social anxiety disorder?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and sometimes medications like SSRIs.
What is the prevalence of social anxiety disorder?
Around 7% of the population.
What is the difference between agoraphobia and specific phobia?
Agoraphobia involves fear of escape being difficult; specific phobia involves fear of specific objects or situations.
What is the treatment for selective mutism?
Behavioral therapy, often with family involvement, to encourage speaking in social situations.
How does exposure therapy work for anxiety disorders?
It helps individuals gradually confront and desensitize themselves to feared situations or objects.
What is a common physical symptom of panic disorder?
Palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
What is the role of social support in treating anxiety?
To provide emotional support, encouragement, and reinforcement of coping strategies.
What is the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the population?
Around 1-2% of the population.
What is the main symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Recurrent, persistent obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (ritualistic behaviors).
What are SSRIs used for in anxiety treatment?
To treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders by balancing neurotransmitter levels.
How does the biological model explain panic disorder?
It attributes panic disorder to neurotransmitter imbalances, especially serotonin and norepinephrine.
What is one benefit of mindfulness techniques in anxiety treatment?
They help individuals detach from negative, anxiety-provoking thoughts and reduce emotional reactivity.
What is the primary aim of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety?
To help individuals identify and change irrational thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.
What is the typical onset age for panic disorder?
Usually between 18 and 35 years of age.
What are common comorbidities with anxiety disorders?
Mood disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.
What is one side effect of SSRIs?
Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and nausea.
What is the role of family therapy in anxiety treatment?
It can support the individual’s coping strategies, provide encouragement, and help manage family dynamics that may contribute to anxiety.
What is the primary characteristic of selective mutism?
Inability to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other settings.
What is the main characteristic of panic disorder?
The presence of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that cause intense physical and emotional distress.