Anxiety disorders

Question 1

anxiety disorders

Answer 1

cover a broad spectrum of conditions characterised by excessive and persistent fear

Question 2

risk factors

Answer 2

1. femal sex
2. substance abuse
3. environmental factors - smoking/stress/trauma

Question 3

generalized anxiety disorder

Answer 3

prolonged and excessive anxiety which is either unspecific or revolves around certain themes
- not due to substance abuse or other mental health disorders

Question 4

DSM V criteria for diagnosis of GAD

Answer 4

core symptoms of excessive wisepread worry for more days than not
- present for at least 6 months

Question 5

ICD 10 criteria

Answer 5

symptoms of anxiety are present for most days over several months includes

• elements of apprehension / persistent nervousness
• motor tension - trembling or muscle tension
• autonomic overactivity - sweating/light headedness/palpitations/dizziness

Question 6

Triggers for anxiety

Answer 6

1. Salbutamol
2. Beta blockers
3. Corticosteroids

Question 7

Management for GAD

Answer 7

1. SSRI anti-depressants
2. buspirone (5-HT1A partial agonist)
3. beta-blockers
4. benzodiazepines: use longer acting preparations e.g. diazepam, clonazepam
5. cognitive behaviour therapy

Question 8

Differentials of GAD

Answer 8

1. situational anxiety - relates to life event
2. PTSD
3. Alcohol withdrawl/substance abuse
4. Pulmonary disease - resp distress
5. Cardiac disease - palpitation / tachycardia
6. Hyperthyroidism
   7 . Anaemia - fatigue/dyspnea/palpitations