Unit 6b Flashcards
Mood Disorders- Anxiety
Anxiety
diffuse, vague feelings of fear + apprehension
- becomes problem when it is irrational, uncontrollable, &/or disruptive
Phobia
intense, irrational fear of a specific thing that interferes w/ normal behavior; may develop thru classical conditioning
Anxiety disorder
set of disorders in which the normal anxiety response is inappropriately provoked by homeostatic imbalance
Possible PHYSIOLOGICAL causes of anxiety
assoc. w/ ↓ low lvls of GABA (primary inhibitory neurotransm. in brain)
Role of amygdala- limbic system component that cntrls the fear response + processes fear-related memories & stimulus salience
Treatment for Anxiety
Psychotherapy - CBT
Medications
- antidepressants
-anti-anxiety medications
- Beta-blockers
Antidepressants (treatment for anxiety)
seems to be effective in many disorders in addition to depression
- many now view anxiety & depression as spectrum of disorders
ex: SSRIs, NSRIs, MAOIs
Anti-anxiety medication (AKA anxiolytics)
produce short-acting reduction in anxiety
ex: Xanax, Valium, Ativan
Beta-blockers
used to stop physical symptoms
ex: cardiovascular medication use to slow heart rate)
Types of Anxiety Disorders
-GAD
-OCD
-Panic disorder
-PTSD
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
characterized by chronic anxiety, worry, & tension independent of external cause for at least 6 months
Patients anticipate disaster + are overly concerned abt health issues, money, family problems, & or difficulties at work
Physical symptoms often present, including: headaches, stomachaches, muscles tension/trembling, irritability
Possible causes: genetics assoc. w/ childhood trauma & resulting hypervigilance
OCD
anxiety disorder most commonly characterized by obsessive, distressing, intrusive thought & related compulsions which attempt to neutralize obsessions
Possible causes: Caudate nucleus- component of basal ganglia assoc. w/ initiation of learned, habitual motor activities; elevated activity is seen here in OCD
- serotonin may reduce caudate nucleus activity, which is why SSRIs may help w/ OCD
Additional treatment option: Deep brain stimulation (in addition to treatment for anxiety in general)
Obsession
irrational, disturbing thoughts that intrude into consciousness
Compulsion
irresistible, repetitive actions performed to alleviate obsessions
Panic disorder
disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks (feelings of helpless terror w/ high physical arousal) & fear of having them
Symptoms: palpitations, sweating/trembling, shaking, chest pain/feeling of chocking, nausea/dizziness, fear of losing control/dying
Patients may attempt to self-treat w/ nicotine/alcohol (these actually incr ^ risk of attack)
Possible causes: genetic + environment; initial stressful event, possible imbalance in amygdala/limbic system, possible history of stimulant use
Agoraphobia
anxiety disorder assoc. w/ panic disorder defined as morbid fear of having panic attack or symptoms in a situation f/ which it is perceived to be difficult (or embarrassing) to escape
- these situations can include (not limited to ): wide open spaces, crowds, uncontrolled social conditions
As a result, sufferers may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places
