Anxiety disorders Flashcards
What is a panic attack according ICD-10?
A discrete episode of intense fear or discomfort
Starts abruptly
Reaches a maximum within a few minutes and lasts at least some minutes
At least 4 specific symptoms of anxiety
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
A period of at least 6 months with prominent tension, worry and feelings of apprehension about everyday events and problems.
Described as free floating, not about any particular environmental circumstance.
Themes include money, housing, relatives, health.
What is panic disorder according to ICD-10?
Recurrent attacks of severe anxiety (panic) ie panic attacks. Not restricted to any particular situation or set of circumstances. Unpredictable. Dominant symptoms include sudden onset of palpitations, chest pain, choking sensations, dizziness, and feelings of unreality (depersonalization or derealization). 4 panic attacks in 4 weeks, lasting min-10min sudden onset.
Do not diagnosise if the patient has depressive disorder at the time the attacks start (panic attacks are probably secondary to depression.
What is phobic anxiety disorder?
Anxiety symptoms restricted to specific situation or objects. Fear out of proportion to the situation. Fear cannot be reasoned or explained away. Anticipatory anxiety. Avoidance behaviour.
How are anxiety disorders managed?
CBT.
SSRIs may be indicated if no response in GAD, social phobia, agoraphobia
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The essential feature is recurrent obsessional thoughts and compulsive acts.
How is OCD managed?
Psychological: CBT, Exposure and response prevention (graded exposure).
Biological: SSRI or TCA.
Combination psychotherapy and drug therapy generally better response
Which groups are high risk for developing PTSD?
Soldiers, disaster victims, rape, torture & assault victims
How is PTSD managed?
Trauma focused CBT, antidepressants may help
