Anxiety disorders Flashcards
What is neurosis?
Functional illness synonymous with anxiety disorders
Not psychotic (No delusions / hallucinations)
Describe the sympathetic drive behind anxiety?
Activation of the autonomic nervous system in response to percieved or anticipated threat/danger. Sympathetic drive (via release of adrenaline / noradrenaline) primes the body for action.
What are safety behaviours?
Subtle actions that help person feel more able to cope with situation
What are specific phobias?
A marked fear of specific object / situation characterised by marked avoidance of such object / situations.
What is a panic disorder?
A fear of your own physiological & psychological reactions, which are viewed as signs of impending collapse, insanity or death.
Accompanied by avoidance of situations that may trigger these reactions = Agoraphobia (people will often stay inside bc outside world is unpredictable)
What are some somatic symptoms of panic disorder?
- Sense of dread
- Shaky
- Choking
- Rapid heartbeat
- Wobbly legs
- Feeling faint
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
A “worry” disorder characterised by worries about specific content (Type 1) that changes/varies & worries about worrying (Type 2)
Usually accompanied by low level physical symptoms
Often maintained by belief that worry is useful
What is social anxiety disorder?
A fear of negative evaluation by others leading to avoidance of feared situations, counter-productive use of safety behaviours, anticipatory anxiety & unhelpful ‘post mortems’ following social encounters
What is OCD?
Unwanted, recurring, distressing intrusive thoughts / images (OBSESSIONS)
Ego dystonic = Do not fit with individual’s moral / ethical / personal value system therefor cause anxiety
To neutralise the distress caused by intrusions, patient conducts neutralising behaviours (COMPULSIONS)
What are common obsessional themes?
- Contamination
- Doubting
- Aggression / horrific impulses
- Sexual imagery
What are common compulsions?
OVERT:
- Washing
- Checking
- Ordering/aligning
COVERT:
- Praying
- Counting
- Repeating words
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Preoccupation with imagined defect in appearance leading to time consuming behaviours (e.g. mirror gazing, comparing to others, excessive camoflauging tactics)
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Exposure to event / situation of exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature which would likely cause pervasive distress in anyone
What are the 3 main features of PTSD?
- Re-experiencing (Vivid nightmares, flashbacks)
- Avoidance
- Hyperarousal
What disorders commonly coincide with PTSD?
Other anxiety disorders
Depression
Substance misuse
