Week 9 Flashcards
There has been much recent debate in the fields of mental health research as to why there have not been more treatments developed for anxiety disorders. One of the answers is that:
the models we have for how anxiety disorders work in the brain are not fully developed. This is why a new framework has been developed.
What is the new framework proposed to address the “fear system” for anxiety developement?
Two systems are proposed:
- set of circuits for generation conscious feelings (fear)
- Set for controlling behavioural and physiological responses to threats
What demonstrated why we need a new proposed dual system for anxiety medication?
Because the expectation that medication that decrease defence and avoidance in animals should also make people feel less anxiety is not being met.
What is anxiety?
An individuals specific internal reaction to a perceived threat or stress
Anxiety becomes a disorder when feelings of tension and anxiety persist for most days for:
6 months or more when there is not a proportional threat of stressor.
Anxiety affects twice and many:
women as men.
Definitions of GAD:
excessive anxiety and worry. Occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Finds it difficult to control the worry. Impairment to functioning and not caused by another medical condition.
DSM5 no longer includes the following under anxiety disorders:
- OCD
- acute stress disorder and PTSD
What are some treatments for anxiety?
CBT medications: antidepressants benzodiazepines beta blockers
healthy lifestyle
People with anxiety disorders are also at higher risk of developing:
depression, alcohol or other dependance disorder, other anxiety disorders.
Established drug treatments for anxiety are:
serotonin, noradrenaline and GABA
What are currently the most used treatment for anxiety medication
antidepressants
Benzodiazepines reduce the:
somatic and psychological symptoms of anxiety. May have withdrawal symptoms.
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines are commonly mistaken. Why is this?
Both are sedative hypnotics that affect the CNS. Act on GABA.
Barbiturates can be used to treat:
anxiety, seizures, migraines and alchohol poisoning.
