Anxiety disorders and phobias Flashcards
Which structure acts as the “emotional filter” of the brain, deciding whether stimuli merit a stress or fear response?
The amygdala
What are the amygdala and where are they located?
Paired nuclei within the temporal lobes, involved in emotional reaction, memory and decision making
What does the stress response involve?
Release of cortisol and catecholamines from the adrenal gland
Physical symptoms of anxiety (7)
Sweating, hot flushes or cold chills Trembling/shaking "Lump in the throat" Palpitations Chest pain or discomfort Nausea/ abdominal distress Dry mouth
Cognitive symptoms of anxiety (5)
Fear of losing control/going crazy Derealisation Depersonalisation Meta-worry Hypervigilance
In what two ways can anxiety (as part of an anxiety disorder) be pathological?
- In extent (i.e. anxiety is more pronounced than “normal”)
- In context (i.e. anxiety in situations which do not “normally” provoke anxiety)
Definition of generalised anxiety disorder (3)
Anxiety that is
generalised: not restricted to any particular environmental circumstances
persistent (most days for 6 months),
causing significant distress/impairment in function
Common co-morbidities in G.A.D. (3)
Depression
Substance abuse
Other anxiety disorders e.g. phobias, OCD, PTSD
Epidemiology of G.A.D.
2:1 female to male ratio, typical age of onset between 20-40
Essential feature of panic disorder
Recurrent attacks of severe anxiety (panic) which are unpredictable
What does panic disorder often accompany?
Agoraphobia
What are phobias typified by?
Knowledge that the fear is irrational; show avoidance behaviours and anticipatory anxiety
Persistent fear of one or more social situations where the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others
Social anxiety disorder
How can potential social phobia be identified in toddlers?
Behavioural inhibition- Tendency to react to novel situations by avoidance/withdrawal to safety
