IC14 Anxiety and Sleep Disorders Flashcards
What are the 5 main classes of anxiety disorders?
- Generalised anxiety d/o (GAD)
- Social anxiety d/o (SAD)
- Panic d/o (PD)
- Obsessive compulsive d/o (OCD)
- Post traumatic stress d/o (PTSD)
Which parts of the brain regulate the fear and worry circuits?
Fear: amygdala
Worry: cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical loop
Which 2 neurotransmitters are important in anxiety disorders?
Serotonin and GABA
What are the 4 classes of medical conditions that are associated with anxiety?
- CV (HF)
- Endocrine (hyperthyroidism)
- Neurologic (dementia, delirium)
- Pulmonary (asthma, COPD)
What are the 7 drugs/classes of drugs that can induce anxiety
- Sympathomimetics (pseudoephedrine)
- Stimulants (amphetamines)
- Theophylline
- Caffeine
- Corticosteroids (esp systemic)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs)
- Beta-agonists (salbutamol)
What other drug-related causes can induce anxiety? (2)
Drug withdrawal (alcohol, caffeine, benzos, nicotine)
Drug intoxication (anticholinergics, antihistamines)
What is the DSM-5 definition for GAD?
Excessive anxiety and worry occurring for ≥ 6 months
At least 3 of the following 6 sx: restlessness, being on edge, easily fatigued, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance
Symptoms cause functional impairment
What is the DSM-5 definition for PD?
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with more than 1 month of persistent anticipatory anxiety
What is the DSM-5 definition of SAD?
Marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations where the person is exposed to possible scrutiny by others
The feared social situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety and stress and the avoidance, anxious anticipation or distress significantly impairs functioning
What is the DSM-5 definition of OCD?
Obsessions: recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced being intrusive and inappropriate in nature, and the patient can relate these thoughts as products of their own mind
Compulsions: repetitive behaviours (eg. handwashing) or mental acts (eg. repeating words, counting) aimed at preventing or reducing distress but not connected in a realistic way, or are clearly excessive
Pt can recognise that these are excessive and time-consuming (take up more than 1h a day, or significantly impairs functioning)
What is the DSM-5 definition of PTSD?
Person exposed to some form of trauma (eg. death, sexual violence) and the traumatic events are persistently re-experienced, causing avoidance of the stimuli
This negatively alters cognition, mood, arousal and reactivity, resulting in functional impairment
What non-pharmacological management method can be used for anxiety?
CBT (but use in combination w meds)
Which antidepressants can be used in anxiety?
All serotonergic antidepressants can be useful (SSRIs, SNRIs, clomipramine)
Which antidepressants should and should not be used in OCD specifically?
Don’t use SNRI (NE stimulation can worsen compulsions)
Use SSRI > clomipramine > venlafaxine
What should be taken note regarding starting dose and initial side effects for antidepressant therapy for anxiety disorders?
- Starting dose must be low as the medications take a while to take effect
- There may be transient jitteriness in the initial 1-2 weeks of starting the antidepressant
- Benzodiazepines may be considered as an adjunct therapy
Which symptoms do antidepressants help with and how long does it take to work?
Worry symptoms
Onset of at least 1-2 months, full response generally seen at 3 months
Which symptoms do benzodiazepines help with?
Physical symptoms of anxiety like muscle tension
What is the onset of action for benzodiazepines and how long should they be used for?
Fast onset of action (within 30 mins for lorazepam)
Short-term treatment (a few weeks to 3-4 months)