Anxiety Disorders Flashcards
What is the problem focused coping mechanism of stress?
Where efforts are directed toward modifying stressor. Preparation, studying or interview practice
What is the emotion focused coping mechanism of stress?
Modify emotional reaction. Mental defence mechanisms eg Denial. Relaxation training
What are the symptom groups of anxiety?
Psychological arousal Autonomic Arousal Muscle Tension Hyperventilation Sleep Disturbance
What are the psychological arousal reactions to stress producing anxiety?
Fearful Anticipation Irritability Sensitivity to noise Poor concentration Worrying Thoughts
What are the autonomic arousal reactions to stress producing anxiety?
Dry Mouth Swallowing difficulties Dyspepsia, nausea and wind Frequent loose motions Tight chest Difficulty inhaling Palpitations/Missed beats Chest pain Frequency/urgency of micturition Amenorrhoea/ Dysmenorrhoea Erectile failure Dizziness and sweating
What are the muscle tension reactions to stress producing anxiety?
Tremor
Headache
Muscle pain
What are the hyperventilation reactions to stress producing anxiety?
Causing CO2 deficit hypocapnia
Numbness tingling in extremities may lead to carpopedal spasm
Breathlessness
What are the sleep disturbance reactions to stress producing anxiety?
Initial insomnia
Frequent waking
Nightmares and night terrors
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
Persistent (several months) symptoms not confined to a situation or object.
All the symptoms of human anxiety can occur
What is the differential diagnosis for anxiety disorders?
Depression Schizophrenia Dementia Substance Misuse Thyrotoxicosis Phaeochromoctoma Hypoglycaemia Asthma and or Arrhythmias
What are the management options for generalised anxiety disorder?
Counselling
Relaxation training
Medication
Cognitive behavioural therapy
What are the key features of phobic anxiety disorders?
Same core features as GAD only in specific circumstances
Person behaves to avoid these circumstances “phobic avoidance”
Sufferer also experiences anxiety if there is a perceived threat of encountering the feared object or situation “anticipatory anxiety”
What are the different categories of phobic anxiety disorders?
Specific phobias
Social phobias
Agoraphobia
What is a social phobia?
Inappropriate anxiety in situation where person feels observed or could be criticised (restaurants, shops, queues, public speaking)
What are the management options for social phobias?
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Education and advice
Medication (SSRIs)
What are the core features of obssesive compulsive disorder?
Obsessional Thoughts:
Ideas, images or impulses
Occurring repeatedly not willed
Unpleasant and distressing (often the antithesis of personality type)
Recognised as the individual’s own thoughts
Usual key anxiety symptoms arise because of distress of the thoughts or attempts to resist
Compulsive Acts or Rituals:
Stereotypical behaviours repeated again and again
Not enjoyable
Not helpful i.e. do not result in useful activity
What are the management options for OCD?
Education and explanation Involve partner/family Serotenergic drugs (SSRIs, clopiramine) Cognitive behavioural therapy Psychosurgery
What is post traumatic stress disorder?
Delayed and or protracted reaction to a stressor of exceptional severity
What are some of the causes of PTSD?
Combat Natural or manmade disaster Rape Assault Torture Witnessing any of the above
What are the key elements of reaction to PTSD?
Hyperarousal
Re-experiencing phenomena
Avoidance of reminders
What features of hyperarousal can PTSD cause?
Persistent anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Poor concentration
What features if re-experieincing phenomena can PTSD cause?
Intense intrusive images:
Flashbacks when awake
Nightmares during sleep
What features of avoidance can PTSD cause?
Emotional numbness
Cue avoidance
Recall difficulties
Diminishes interests
What are the vulnerability factors for PTSD?
Mood disorder
Previous trauma especially as child
Lack of social support
Female gender
What are the protective factors against PTSD?
Higher education and social group
Japanese American ethnicity
Good paternal relationship
