S/A/C Flashcards
What does Genetic Theory (Biological) say about the etiology of Anxiety disorders?
Anxiety may have an inherited component because first-degree relatives of clients with increased anxiety have higher rates of developing anxiety.
What does Heritability refer to?
Heritability refers to the proportion of a disorder that can be attributed to genetic factors:
What does Neurochemical Theory (Biological) say about the etiology of Anxiety disorders?
Imbalances Neurochemicals GABA, Serotonin and Norepinephrine are believed to play a role in OCD, PTSD, Panic disorder and many others.
What does Psychodynamic Theories
Intrapsychic/Psychoanalytic say about the etiology of Anxiety disorders?
Freud saw a person’s innate anxiety as the stimulus for behavior. He described defense mechanisms as the human’s attempt to control awareness of and to reduce anxiety
What does Psychodynamic Theories
Interpersonal Theory say about the etiology of Anxiety disorders?
Harry Stack Sullivan viewed anxiety as being generated from problems in interpersonal relationships.
What does Psychodynamic Theories
Behavioral Theorists say about the etiology of Anxiety disorders?
Behavioral theorists view anxiety as being learned through experiences.
Which medical conditions are risk factors for anxiety disorders?
endocrine dysfunction (Diabeters)
COPD
CHF
Neurologic Conditions
Which populations are most at risk for developing anxiety disorders
White women
People under 45
People who are divorced or separated
People who are Low SES
Anxiety that starts for the first time late in life is frequently associated with other conditions such as
depression,
dementia,
physical illness
medication toxicity
Phobias
agoraphobia
GAD
the most common late-life anxiety disorders are:
Phobias
agoraphobia
GAD
Clinical manifestations of Anxiety
Ranges from restlessness Fidgeting GI “butterflies” Difficulty sleeping Hypersensitivity to noise
to Dilated pupils Increased blood pressure and pulse Flight, fight, or freeze
Mild Anxiety
- Wide perceptual field
- Sharpened senses
- Increased motivation
- Effective problem-solving
- Increased learning ability
- Irritability
Moderate Anxiety
- Perceptual field narrowed to immediate task
- Selectively attentive
- Cannot connect thoughts or events independently
- Increased use of automatisms
Severe Anxiety
- Perceptual field reduced to one detail or scattered details
- Cannot complete tasks
- Cannot solve problems or learn effectively
- Behavior geared toward anxiety relief and is usually ineffective
- Doesn’t respond to redirection
- Feels awe, dread, or horror
- Cries
- Ritualistic behavior
Panic level Anxiety
- Perceptual field reduced to focus on self
- Cannot process any environmental stimuli
- Distorted perceptions
- Loss of rational thought
- Doesn’t recognize potential danger
- Can’t communicate verbally
- Possible delusions and hallucination
- May be suicidal
RN assessments for anxiety
- Physical exam
- VS
- Auscultation of heart/lungs
- Cranial nerve assessment
- Thyroid studies
- Blood/Urine studies
- DX based on history and physical findings
- Mental Status Exam-
RN interventions for Anxiety
- Remain with the client at all times when levels of anxiety are high (severe or panic).
- Move the client to a quiet area with minimal or decreased stimuli.
- Administer prescribed medications.
- Remain calm in your approach to the client.
- Use short, simple, and clear open statements.
- Avoid asking or forcing the client to make choices.
- Teach the client to use relaxation techniques or help with guided meditation.
- Help the client see that mild anxiety can be a positive catalyst for change and does not need to be avoided.
- Encourage the client to identify and pursue relationships, personal interests, hobbies, or recreational activities that may appeal to the client.
- Encourage the client to identify supportive resources in the community.
Priority medications for treatment of Anxiety
Benzodiazepines eg. Alprazalam (xanax)
Nonbenzodiazepins eg Buspirone (BuSpar)
Antihistamines eg Hydroxyzine (atarax)
SSRIs eg Fluoxetine (prozac)
What is the most important goal of Anxiety treatment?
Effective management of stress and anxiety is the goal, not elimination. Life brings stress, we have to learn to deal with it.
Or just kill all the men and then stress wouldn’t be a thing?!?
What is the etiology of OCD?
Unknown, but onset after age 50 is rare
What are the two components of an OCD diagnosis?
An Obssession
and
A Compulsion (ritual)
What is an obsession?
-recurrent, persistent unwanted thoughts, images or
impulses that cause anxiety and interfere with interpersonal, social or occupational functions
What is a compulsion
ritualistic or repetitive behaviors that the person
uses to attempt to neutralize their anxiety