Common psych histories - Anxiety Flashcards
1
Q
What would you ask about anxiety as a symptom?
A
- Timing - duration, onset, episodic/constant, triggers, effect on life, frequency, avoidance
- Somatic symptoms - palpitations, SOB, tight chest, sweating, dizziness
- Background to attacks - Previous, frequency, impact on life
2
Q
What associated symptoms would you want to ask about when asking about anxiety?
A
- Associated psych sympptoms - depression, stress, worry, avoidance
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- PTSD symptoms - Psychological trauma, Flashbacks, Nightmares, hyperarousal
3
Q
What questions would you ask about depression in an anxiety screen?
A
- Core - low mood, anhedonia, low energy
- Biological - Sleep/early morning wakening, appetite, concentration
- Future - Hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, guilt
4
Q
What is always important to ask about when asking about anxiety?
A
Suicidal risk
5
Q
What features associated with anxiety would suggest GAD?
A
- Anxiety and worry on most days
- Generalised - about everything
- Long-term
6
Q
What features of anxiety suggest panic disorder as the cause?
A
- Panic attacks - palpitations, sweating, SOB, chest pain
- Unpredictable but certain situations predispose
7
Q
What features of anxiety suggest phobic disorder as a cause?
A
- Intense fear triggered by predictable stimulus
- Common examples - agoraphobia, isolated phobia
8
Q
What features of anxiety would suggest PTSD as the cause?
A
- Caused by stressful life event
- Intense anxiety with flashbacks, insomnia, nightmares, avoidance and emotional detachment
- Hyperarousal
9
Q
What are features associated with anxiety which would suggest OCD as the cause?
A
- Obsessive thoughts
- COnstant need to check everything
- Only relieved by acting on compulsions
10
Q
What are psychiatric causes of anxiety?
A
- GAD
- Panic Disorder
- Phobic disorder
- PTSD
- OCD
- Depression
11
Q
What are organic causes anxiety?
A
- ACS
- Arrythmias
- Hyperthyroidism
- Phaechromocytoma
