General Anxiety Disorder Flashcards
What are neurotic disorders?
Non-psychotic disorders characterised by neurotic symptoms – inc. anxiety + panic disorders and specific phobias, OCD and PTSD
Anxiety disorder definition?
a evolutionary response to a threatening situation characterised by emotions accompanied by physiological changes that prepare the body to fight or flight
What is General Anxiety Disorder?
Excessive worry and feelings of apprehension about everyday events
Main cause?
Family History
Biological causes? (2)
Deregulated cortisol
Decreased GABA activity
Socio-pyschological causes? (3)
Unexpected traumatic events (rape, war, death)
Chronic stress
Unemployment
What are the requirements to diagnose GAD?
Symptoms present most days for at least 6 months
Symptoms?
Autonomic arousal:
Palpitations, tachycardia, sweating, dry mouth, trembling or shaking
Physical symptoms:
Breathing difficulties, choking sensation, chest pain, nausea
Mental state symptoms:
Dizzy, unsteady, light headed, derealisation, depersonalisation
General symptoms:
Hot flushes/cold chills, muscle tension, lump in throat, restlessness, difficulty sleeping/concentrating
Differentials?
Hyperthyroidism
Cushings
Hypoglycaemia
Medications
1st line Psychosocial Mx?
Low intensity: Self help & group therapy
2nd line Psychosocial Mx? (2)
High intensity:
CBT
Applied relaxation
1st line Biological Mx?
SSRI’s e.g. sertraline
2nd line biological Mx? (2)
different SSRI or SNRI
3rd line biological Mx?
Pregabilin
What can be given for palpitations?
Beta-blockers
