Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

What is anxiety?

Answer 1

Apprehension of danger and dread accompanied by restlessness, tension, tachycardia (heart beats faster rate than normal) and dyspnea (shortness of breath) unattached to a clearly identifiable stimulus.

Question 2

What are examples of anxiety disorders?

Answer 2

• Separation anxiety disorder.
• Selective mutism.
• Specific phobia.
• Social anxiety disorder (or social phobia).
• Panic disorder.
• Agoraphobia.
• Generalised anxiety disorder.
• Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder.
• Anxiety disorder due to another medical condition.

Question 3

What is panic disorder?

Answer 3

Short, sudden attacks of fear, fear of losing control, or terror. Abrupt surge of intense fear/intense discomfort, which can peak within minutes.

Question 4

What is a phobia?

Answer 4

Irrational fears that lead individuals to often avoid certain objects and specific situations all together. Object or situation that is feared provokes instant fear or anxiety.

Question 5

What is agoraphobia?

Answer 5

Demonstrate fear or anxiety in situations which include use of public transport, being in an open space/enclosed area/crowd or standing in line.

Question 6

What are examples of symptoms for panic disorder?

Answer 6

• Heart palpations, increased heart rate or pounding heart.
• Sweating.
• Shaking or trembling.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling of choking.
• Chest discomfort or pain.
• Nausea or distress in abdomen.
• Feelings of dizziness, light-headedness or faint.
• Numbness, sensation of increased heat
• Separated or detached
• Loss of control

Question 7

What are examples of symptoms for phobias?

Answer 7

• Demonstrate fear, anxiety or avoidance of the object or situation causes significant distress in social, occupational or other areas of life function.
• Sweating, increased heart rate and trembling.

Question 8

What are examples of symptoms for generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 8

• Individuals have difficulty controlling their worry
• Feelings of being on edge, restless or keyed up.
• Becoming easily fatigued.
• Feeling as if their mind is going blank and difficulty with concentration.
• Irritability.
• Tension in muscles.
• Difficult with sleep- falling asleep, staying asleep or restless sleep.

Question 9

Describe the impact of anxiety disorders on occupational performance

Answer 9

• Need assistance in IADLs
• They may fear leaving the house; community mobility impaired.
• Attention, reduced recall (memory), impaired ability to make associations, time management, problem solving, decision making and emotional functions in areas of self-control.
• Physical signs include feeling shaky, muscle tension, backache, headache and fatigue affects daily routines
• Communication skills may be negative affected due to high anxiety levels.

Question 10

Describe the role of an occupational therapist when addressing anxiety disorders

Answer 10

• Functional abilities would be assessed and determined how anxiety was impacting ADLs, IADLS, sleep/rest, education, work, play, leisure and social participation.
• Activity configuration, role checklist, interest checklist or self-assessment of occupational function to determine functional difficulties.
• COPM, Occupational Performance History Interview and Occupational Self-Assessment used.