Module 8: Anxiety & Antianxiety Medications

Question 1

Panic disorder pharmacologic treatments?

Answer 1

• SSRI (first line)
• SNRI
• Benzodiazepines*

Question 2

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal?

Answer 2

• Abnormal body sensations
• Aches/pains
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Delirium/detachment from reality
• Depression
• Grand Mal seizures
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea

Question 3

Panic disorder psychoeducation?

Answer 3

• Individuals with panic disorder may need assistance to reevaluate lifestyle.
  
  • Help with time management, prioritizing tasks, procrastination, relaxation time
• Learning the symptoms of panic disorder
• Information sheets or pamphlets available concerning the disorder and any medication prescribed.
• Family therapy
  
  • Families experience the symptoms, treatments, clinical setbacks, and recovery from chronic mental illnesses as a unit

Question 4

What therapy can be used for panic disorder?

Answer 4

• CBT first line, reframing known triggers
• Exposure/Response

Question 5

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Answer 5

Excessive anxiety or worry that is difficult to control

Question 6

Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms?

Answer 6

• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

Question 7

Types of anxiety disorders?

Answer 7

• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Selective Mutism
• Specific Phobias
• Social Anxiety Disorders
• Agoraphobia

Question 8

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Answer 8

Anxious due to separation from attachment figures (developmentally inappropriate)

Question 9

What is Selective Mutism?

Answer 9

Failure to speak in social situations (consistent)

Question 10

What is Specific Phobias?

Answer 10

Avoids specific situation/object, fearful

Question 11

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Answer 11

Fear of social or performance situation in which embarrassment may occur

Question 12

What is Agoraphobia?

Answer 12

Fear and avoidance of places or situations that might cause panic, feeling trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.

Question 13

Nursing intervention during Panic Attack?

Answer 13

• Stay with patient (pace along)
• Ensure safety
• Clear concise communication
• Reduce stimuli
• Offer PRN meds

Question 14

Nursing intervention before/after Panic Attack?

Answer 14

• Coping/relaxation/breathing/ distraction
• Nutrition (avoid caffeine, etc)
• Allow patient to vent
• Encourage physical activity