Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

Anxiety disorders are characterized by?

Answer 1

Panic, stress, and generalized anxiety resulting in alteration of
behavior, emotions, and cognitive processing for the purpose of avoiding the associated negative physi-
ological, emotional, and psychological impact.

Question 2

General DSM–IV–TR categories of anxiety disorders

Answer 2

a. Panic disorder
b. Agoraphobia
c. Generalized anxiety disorder
d. Obsessive–compulsive disorder
e. Posttraumatic stress disorder
f. Social phobia
g. Specific phobia
h. Substance-induced anxiety disorder
i. Anxiety disorder attributable to a general medical condition

Question 3

Anxiety disorder’s impact on occupational performance

Answer 3

a. Physical impairments, including difficulty physically responding to stress in posttraumatic stress
disorder and cardiac problems in panic disorder
b. Cognitive impairments, including difficulty following directions and concentrating because of
hyperaroused states and lowered memory capacity because of trauma
c. Psychosocial impairments, including disruptions in relationships and career development

Question 4

Occupational therapy interventions for anxiety disorders

Answer 4

a. Cognitive–behavioral training to enable clients to approach situations that cause anxiety, under-
stand the fear cycle, and challenge distorted cognitions related to fear

b. Relaxation therapy, including breathing, meditation, visualization, and progressive muscle re-
laxation

c. Expressive writing to help the client understand and accept the occurrence of stressors

Question 5

Pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders

Answer 5

a. Benzodiazepines: alprazolam, lorazepam
b. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, citalopram
c. Tricyclic antidepressants