Anxiety disorders

Question 1

The basal ganglia are implicated in OCD, since they are affected by illnesses in which the risk of OCD is increased. Name three examples of these illnesses.

Answer 1

Sydenham’s chorea, Encephalitis lethargica and Tourette’s Syndrome

Question 2

What drugs are effective in OCD?

Answer 2

SSRIs and Clomipramine (a TCA)

Question 3

Therapeutic doses of SSRIs are often higher for anxiety disorders than for depression. The response also takes longer. What time frame do they need to be taken for before expecting a response?

Answer 3

6-8 weeks

Question 4

Benzos can be used short term in anxiety but must not be used for more than _______ weeks?

Answer 4

2-4 weeks (due to tolerance and dependency)

Question 5

Buspirone

Answer 5

Buspirone is an anxiolytic. It’s a partial serotonin agonist.

Question 6

What’s the difference between panic attack and panic disorder?

Answer 6

For a diagnosis of panic disorder there must be recurrent panic attacks (preferably several within a month) and in between episodes the person should be relatively free of anxiety

Question 7

How long must symptoms of ‘free-floating’ anxiety be present before diagnosing GAD?

Answer 7

6 months