Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

Panic Attacks

Answer 1

A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or apprehension that may last from minutes to hours.

Unexpected panic attacks occur at any time and are not associated with any identifiable situational stimulus, but panic attacks need not be unexpected. Attacks in patients with social and specific phobias are usually expected or cued to a recognized or specific stimulus.

Question 2

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Symptoms for Panic Disorder

Answer 2

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is
an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and during which time four (or more) of the following symptoms occur:

1 . Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
2. Sweating.
3. Trembling or shaking.
4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
5. Feelings of choking.
6. Chest pain or discomfort.
7. Nausea or abdominal distress.
8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
9. Chills or heat sensations.
1 0. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
1 1 . Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from one-self).
1 2 . Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
1 3. Fear of dying.

Question 3

General Anxiety Disorder

Answer 3

Sustained and excessive anxiety and worry accompanied by either motor tension or restlessness. The anxiety is excessive and interferes with other aspects of a person’s life. This pattern must occur more days than not for at least 6 months. The motor tension is most commonly manifested as shakiness, restlessness, and headaches

Question 4

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized

Anxiety Disorder - A

Answer 4

Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance)

Question 5

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized

Anxiety Disorder - B

Answer 5

The individual finds it difficult to control the worry

Question 6

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized

Anxiety Disorder - C

Answer 6

The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):
Note: Only one item is required in children.

1 . Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
2 . Being easily fatigued.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)