Anxiety/Stressor Trauma Related Disorders

Question 1

What are the key components of a Anx/stressor related disorder?

Answer 1

Fear and anxiety
Fear = unpleasant emotion in anticipation or awareness of impending danger
Anxiety= an emotion characterized by the apprehension or dread of a potentially threatening or uncertain outcome.

Question 2

What are direct and indirect manifestations of anxiety disorders?

Answer 2

Direct = manifestation as a panic attack 
Indirect= anxiety that is converted into symptoms such as phobias or obsessions.

Question 3

Clinical Features of all anxiety disorders:

Answer 3

ALL share excessive fear/anxiety as their core feature

• stress
• reality testing is intact
• behaviour does NOT violate social/cultural norms
• behaviour endures/recurs without treatment
• Perceives symptoms as UNACCEPTABLE to self

Question 4

What is general anxiety disorder *GAD)?

Answer 4

Persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about occupational, social, and interpersonal events that the person finds DIFFICULT to control
Obsessive worrying interferes with life but are not Instrusive generally.
-Associated with other psychiatric comorbidities and specifically substance disorders.

Question 5

What is a panic disorder?

Answer 5

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and fear of triggering further attacks.
Typically accompanied by fear of death- brought on my somatic experiences
-Limited ability to function socially, occupationally and interpersonally.

Question 6

Describe a panic attack?

Answer 6

Period of discomfort for 10-30 minutes with physical and cognitive symptoms including: palpitations, SOB, trembling, tachycardia.
Cognitive=disorganized thinking, irrational fears, fear of going crazy.

Question 7

What is agoraphobia?

Answer 7

Fear of open spaces

Question 8

What is a phobia?

Answer 8

Persistent unrealistic fears

Question 9

What are the two theories for the etiology of anxiety disorders?

Answer 9

Genetic–> significant evidence for this

Neurobiologic theories propose that there may be a fear conditioning that is learned -affecting amygdala and hippocampus

Question 10

Risk factors for anxiety disorder?

What are some commonalities of background?

Answer 10

Family history/ genetic predisposition
Substance/stimulant use
Severe trauma or stressors
Females are at higher risk 
Sexual/physical abuse for children and behaviour inhibition by parents. 

Background:

• remember parents being critical or angry
• fearful/shy as a child
• long term low self esteem
• discomfort with aggression
• experiencing stressful events prior to onset

Question 11

How to respond to an acute emergency panic attack?

Answer 11

• Stay with pt, ensure them that you will not leave and that they are safe
• give clear directions
• assist pt to environment with minimal stimulation/ walk with them
• Administer anxiolytic medications