Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

When does anxiety become pathological?

Answer 1

• fear is greatly out of proportion to risk/severity of threat
• response continues beyond existence of threat or becomes generalised to other similar or dissimilar situations
• social or occupational functioning is impaired

Question 2

What is the definition of panic disorder?

Answer 2

recurrent unexpected panic attacks with symptoms that peak within 10 minutes
eg sweating, palpitations, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of dying

Question 3

What is the definition of GAD?

Answer 3

Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, with at least 3 of

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

Question 4

What are DDx?

Answer 4

• hyperthyroidism
• other psychological disorders
• post-MI