Anxiety & Phobia's Flashcards
What are the physical symptoms of anxiety?
Sweats, hot flushes or chills Trembling or shaking Muscle tension, aches or pains Numbness/tingling sensation Feeling dizzy Dry mouth Feeling of choking Difficulty breathing Palpitations Chest pain Nausea or abdo distress
What part of the brain is first to respond to the stress response?
Amygdala (emotional filter of the brain)
Release of which substances shuts down the stress response?
Catecholamines & cortisol
What is the first line treatment o generalized anxiety disorder?
Sertraline or Escitalopram
What is the first line management for panic disorder?
Paroxetine
What is agoraphobia?
Fear of entering an environment the individual perceives to be unsafe
What are the neurological changes in social phobia?
Increased bilateral activation of the amygdala
Increased blood flow to the amygdala (& related limbic areas)
Which psychological therapy is particularly successful in PTSD?
EMDR
What neurological changes are found in OCD?
Increased metabolism and blood flow in orbitofrontal cortex, caudate nucleus * cingulate gyrus
Which type of psychotherapy is particularly effective in OCD?
ERP
Which TCA should be added to an SSRI in the management of OCD?
Clomipramine
What role does the anterior cingulate area play in PTSD?
Fails to inhibit amygdala activation which leads to decreased threshold for fear
