Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD -children] Flashcards
What function does anxiety serve in humans?
Anxiety serves as a protective function, helping humans navigate life in terms of danger and cope with stress to keep themselves safe
When does anxiety tend to become a disorder?
Anxiety tends to become a disorder when it becomes excessive to the point of affecting daily functioning and well-being
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterized by?
GAD is characterized by excessive worry about everyday concerns, such as school, family members, and how one is perceived by others.
What are some features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in children?
Excessive worry, commonly about school and parents.
Symptoms may include irritability, difficulties with sleep, muscle tension, and being on edge.
Diagnosis requires the presence of at least one symptom and a duration of at least 6 months.
Avoidance is also a common feature of GAD in children.
What are some features that may be observed in the mental state examination (MSE) of a child with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Appearance & behavior: Restless, fidgety, nail-biting, or avoidant.
Mood & affect: Anxious, worried, nervous, or fearful. Affect may be tense and flat.
Thought content: Racing thoughts and exaggerated worries.
Speech: Speech may be rapid or pressured.
What are some common comorbidities associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Other anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Disruptive disorders/ behavioral disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD).
What are some treatment options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in children?
Pharmacological treatment, often utilizing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Psychological interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques.
Parental support and involvement in treatment.
Establishing a structured routine and promoting a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep.
What are some components of the assessment process for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in children?
Clinical interview.
Symptom tracking to monitor the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms.
Referral for full blood work to rule out medical conditions such as thyroid disorders.
Evaluation of trauma history to assess any past traumatic experiences.
Assessment of parenting style, including whether parents may be overbearing or excessively controlling.
Consideration of genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders.
Use of assessment scales such as SCARED (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders) to measure anxiety symptoms.
What are some characteristics of Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
SAD is characterized by excessive worry about separation from attachment figures, often due to fear of something happening to them (e.g., death, illness, injury).
Symptoms may include school absenteeism, lasting for at least 4 weeks and involving at least 3 symptoms.
Somatic symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, diarrhea, or chest pains may occur.
Other symptoms may include avoidance of being alone, reluctance to go out, and nightmares about being alone.
SAD may be comorbid with specific phobias, other anxiety disorders, or disruptive disorders.
Treatment may involve psychoeducation, behavioral management, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medication.
What features may be observed in the Mental State Examination (MSE) of a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
Appearance & behavior: The child may appear anxious, cling to attachment figures, or refuse to go to school or sleep alone.
Thoughts: The child may express thoughts that something bad will happen to their attachment figures.
Mood & affect: The child may display anger before or after separation.
Speech: Speech may be rapid, pressured, or distressed.
What are some differential diagnoses to consider when evaluating GAD?
Medical conditions, medication-induced anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Adjustment Disorder, and Mood Disorders.
