Anxiety disorders

Question 1

Types of anxiety disorder

Answer 1

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Phobias
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Question 2

Peak ages of GAD

Answer 2

35 to 59

Question 3

Features of GAD

Answer 3

Excessive worry
Heightened tension
Irritability
Restlessness
Trouble sleeping / concentrating

Question 4

Diagnosis of GAD

Answer 4

> 6 months

Cause significant distress / impairs life

Question 5

Mx of GAD

Answer 5

Psychological
SSRI
SNRI
Pregabalin
TCAs

Question 6

Nutritional therapy

Answer 6

Useful for all anxiety disorders

Vit D3 required for conversion of Tryptophan to 5HT

Question 7

Panic disorder

Answer 7

Recurrent unforeseen panic attacks

Followed by at least 1 month of persistent worry

Question 8

Diagnosis of panic disorder

Answer 8

At least 2 unexpected attacks

Question 9

Mx of panic disorders

Answer 9

One of:

• CBT
• SSRI

Question 10

Phobia definition

Answer 10

Persistent, inappropriate fear of specific situation

Question 11

Social anxiety disorder

Answer 11

Often begins in early teens
Substance misuse common as self medication
Fear of being centre of attention

Question 12

Mx social anxiety disorder

Answer 12

CBT
SSRI
SNRI

Question 13

Mx OCD

Answer 13

CBT
SSRI
Clomipramine (TCA)

Question 14

PTSD

Answer 14

Re-experiencing events
Hyper-vigilance
Numbing of normal emotions
Often EtOH excess

Question 15

Mx PTSD

Answer 15

Watchful waiting <4wks
CBT>4wks
EMDR after 3 months
SSRI
SNRI

Question 16

EMDR

Answer 16

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming

Decouples memory from real life

Question 17

Beta adrenergic blockers in anxiety

Answer 17

Used situationally for somatic Sx

w/o affecting cognition

Question 18

Adjustment disorder dx

Answer 18

1. identifiable stressor
2. maladaptive response to stressor
3. less 3 months of stressor