ANXIETY DISORDERS Flashcards
How does anxiety differ from an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety: A normal reaction to stress or anticipation of future events.
Anxiety Disorder: Excessive, persistent worry or fear disproportionate to the situation, impairing daily function.
What distinguishes anxiety from fear?
Anxiety: Anticipation of a future threat, associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior.
Fear: Emotional response to an immediate threat, associated with the fight-or-flight reaction.
What are key statistics about anxiety disorders?
Most common mental health disorders.
Nearly 30% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.
Highly treatable with therapy and medication.
What are the main types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry with physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, feeling on edge, easily fatigued, trouble concentrating, problems sleeping.
Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks with symptoms like chest pain, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, trembling, feeling of choking, numbness/tingling, chills/hot flashes, nausea or abdominal pain, fear of dying.
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects, situations, or activities that are generally not harmful.
Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape is difficult or embarrassing, or help might not be available if they panic (enclosed spaces, open spaces, crowds, public transport, being outside alone)
Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of embarrassment in social settings.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being separated from loved ones, often with physical symptoms
What factors increase the risk of anxiety disorders?
Genetics: Family history of anxiety.
Environment: Trauma or stressful events.
Psychological: Certain personality traits, like being easily overwhelmed.
What are the treatment options and self-help strategies for anxiety disorders?
Treatment:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change negative thought patterns.
- Medication: Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants, beta blockers.
Self-Help: Stress management, meditation, avoiding caffeine, and joining support groups.
