Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

which part of the brain acts as an ‘emotional filter’

Answer 1

amygdala

Question 2

function of amygdala

Answer 2

assesses whether sensory material from thalamus needs stress or fear response – emotional filter

Question 3

types of anxiety disorders

Answer 3

generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) 
panic disorder 
agoraphobia
social phobia 
specific phobia

Question 4

definition of generalised anxiety disorder

Answer 4

anxiety that is generalised + persistent but not related to an environmental circumstance

Question 5

criteria for GAD diagnosis

Answer 5

symptoms present for most days for at least 6 months
non-controllable
causing significant distress/impairment in function

Question 6

symptoms of GAD

Answer 6

persistent nervousness 
trembling/shaking 
sweating
palpitations/ accelerated HR
muscular tension
dizzy/light headed
insomnia

Question 7

treatment of GAD

Answer 7

1st line : CBT
2nd line: SSRI
3rd line: SNRI (venlafaxine)

Question 8

what SSRI is given in GAD

Answer 8

sertraline

Question 9

what can be given as symptomatic relief in GAD

Answer 9

beta blockers for tremor

Question 10

definition of panic disorders

Answer 10

recurrent attacks of severe anxiety (panic) which are unpredictable - not restricted to any particular situation

Question 11

symptoms of a panic attack

Answer 11

sudden onset of palpitations, chest pain, choking sensation, dizziness + intense fear

Question 12

definition of a panic attack

Answer 12

intense period of fear + physical + psychological anxiety symptoms
onset within a few minutes

Question 13

what is agoraphobia

Answer 13

extreme/ irrational fear of open/public places

Question 14

what happens in the brain during a panic attack

Answer 14

increased metabolism in the parahippocampal gyrus

Question 15

where is the parahippocampal gyrus

Answer 15

anterior pole of temporal lobe

Question 16

features of a phobia

Answer 16

fear recognised as irrational

leads to avoidance behaviour + anticipatory anxiety

Question 17

definition of a specific phobia

Answer 17

a marked + persistent fear that is excessive/unreasonable

brought on by presence or anticipation of the specific object/situation

Question 18

what happens when a person is exposed to their specific phobia

Answer 18

immediate anxiety response – panic attack

Question 19

what is ephebiphobia

Answer 19

fear of young people

Question 20

what is coulrophobia

Answer 20

fear of clowns

Question 21

what is social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Answer 21

persistent fear of social situation which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people/scrutiny

Question 22

symptoms of social anxiety disorder

Answer 22

common symptoms of anxiety 
blushing 
shaking 
fear of vomitting 
urgency/ fear of micturition/ defaecation

Question 23

how is the brain affected in social anxiety

Answer 23

increased amygdala activity

Question 24

what is health anxiety

Answer 24

preoccupation with having or acquiring serious illness

Question 25

what is the extinction principle

Answer 25

if we expose a person to the stimulus gradually and they cope with the anxiety we slowly learn that the stimulus doesn’t signal fear and anxiety decreases

Question 26

what is treatment using the extinction principal called

Answer 26

graded exposure

Question 27

what is flooding

Answer 27

full exposure to the stimulus – keep exposure until the anxiety reduces and patient realises they are ok

Question 28

principle of CBT

Answer 28

asking patients to question/test their thoughts

- influence emotions + behaviours

Question 29

treatment of social phobia

Answer 29

1st CBT
2nd SSRI
3rd SNRIs
4th Benzodiazepines

Question 30

treatment of a specific phobia

Answer 30

exposure therapy

SSRI if this fails and anxiety is severe

Question 31

how long is treatment in GAD

Answer 31

at least 18 months

Question 32

how long is treatment in panic disorder/ phobia

Answer 32

at least 6 months