Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
Normal Anxiety
Anxiety is a sense of uneasiness or distress about future uncertainties
Experienced universally
It is unpleasant but also essential for adaptive functioning
Neurotransmitter systems associated with anxiety
GABA goes DOWN
Norepinephrine goes UP
Dopamine goes UP
Serotonin goes UP or DOWN
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Persistent, excessive anxiety for “everyday stressors”
Panic Attacks
Abrupt surge of intense fear/discomfort that peaks within minutes, along with other symptoms such as trembling, shortness of breath, palpitations
Panic DISORDER
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
Agoraphobia
“Fear of the marketplace”
Fear or avoidance of being helpless in a place where escape may be difficult or embarrassing (public transport, theaters, crowds, bridge)
Phobia
Specific, unreasonable fear for an object or situation
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Marked or Persistent fear of social situations or situations with risk of scrutiny by others
Separation Anxiety Disorder
May present as school phobia, nightmares of separation
Attachment figure usually a parent (Spouse in adults)
Obsessions
Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted, and provoke anxiety
Contamination/germs, Sexual thoughts, order/symmetry
Compulsions
Repetitive behaviors engaged in with the goal of reducing the anxiety associated with obsessions
Checking, counting, washing, arranging
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Chronic obsessions and compulsions that cause significant distress, interfere with functioning, or are excessively time consuming (greater than one hour per day)
Hoarding Disorder
Use to be listed as an OCD compulsion.
Can be animals, items, etc.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Preoccupation with an imagined or exaggerated body defect
Onset in early teens
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Diagnostic Elements: Severe Trauma -> re-experiencing the trauma Avoidance of reminders Hyperarousal Negative changes in thinking/mood
