psych anxiety Flashcards
neurotransmitters in anxiety
increased norepi, and decreased GABA and serotonin
anxiety develops more freq in higher socioeconomic groups
right
panic attacks
peak within 10 minutes and usually last less than 25 min; four of the listed criteria
criteria for panic attacks
palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, choking sensation, chest pain, nausea or abdominal distress, lightheadedness, depersonalization, or derealization, etc.
panic disorder
spontaneos recurrent panic attacks with no obv precipitant; on avg two times per week; can be as infreq as a few times per year
dsm IV criteria for panic disorder- at least one of the attacks must be followed by a min of 1 month of the following
persistent concern about another attack, worry about implications of attack, change in behavior related to attacks
panic disorder you must specify
whether the attack is with or without agoraphobia
panic attacks may be induced by
nicotine, caffeine, hyperventilation
genetics/gender of panic disorder
more common in females; very strong genetic component
onset of panic disorder
late teens to early thirties, but may occur at any age
prognosis of panic disorder
often chronic; relapses common; ten to twenty percent of patients continue to have signif sx that interfere with daily functioning; fifty percent have mild sx; the rest are free of sx after treatment
treatment for panic disorder
SSRI (esp paroxetine and sertraline)
how long does tx take to see results?
2-4 weeks
dose of SSRI in panic disorders
requires higher doses than those needed for depression
length of treatment for panic disorder
8-12 mos as relapse is common after discontinuation of therapy
agoraphobia
the fear of being alone in public places; can be diagnosed alone or as panid disorder with agoraphobia
when agoraphobia is not assoc with a panic disorder
it is usually chronic and debilitating
phobia
patient recognizes that the fear is excessive
length of phobia
if person is under 18, duration must be at least 6 mos
average age of onset for social phobias
mid teens
phobias genders
women are twic as likely to have specific phobia as men, but social phobia occurs equally in men and womne
treatment for specific phobia
meds are not effective; behavioral therapy (systemic desens) is most effective; a short course of benzos may be used during desensitization