Questions and Answers
When is anxiety considered an Anxiety Disorder?
When it is excessive and causes significant personal distress or impairment in function.
What are the core symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are frequently over-diagnosed in primary care.
False
What is the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders?
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What characterizes a panic attack?
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Agoraphobia is defined as a fear in places where escape might be easy.
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What triggers the endocrine output of fear?
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Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent ______.
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The physiological response to fear often includes increased heart rate and ______.
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Study Notes
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
- Anxiety is a normal emotion that serves a survival mechanism (fight or flight) during threats.
- Anxiety becomes a disorder when it is excessive, characterized by excessive fear and worry.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) differs as its core symptoms include depressed mood and loss of interest.
- Anxiety disorders often go undiagnosed in primary care with a lifetime prevalence of about 29%.
- Patients with anxiety frequently use emergency and primary medical services.
- Symptoms vary widely; they can be mild or severe, impacting quality of life and functional ability.
- Effective treatment can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected.
- The development of anxiety disorders is influenced by a combination of neurobiological vulnerabilities (e.g., genetics, childhood experiences) and environmental factors (e.g., trauma, stress).
Fear Response Mechanisms
- Motor responses include avoidance or freezing when facing threats, with possible actions of fighting or fleeing.
- Endocrine responses involve increased cortisol levels due to amygdala activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; prolonged activation heightens risks for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
- Breathing responses can lead to shortness of breath, exacerbated asthma, or the sensation of being smothered.
- Autonomic responses elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which may long-term increase risks for atherosclerosis, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial infarction.
- Chronic worry and obsessions can trigger traumatic memory activation stored in the hippocampus, prompting renewed fear responses.
Key Features of Panic Disorder
- Panic disorder is marked by recurrent panic attacks, short bursts of intense fear or discomfort.
- Each panic attack includes at least four physical and psychological symptoms (e.g., palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain).
- On average, panic attacks peak within 10 minutes and last between 30 to 45 minutes.
- Patients often fear serious medical conditions, like myocardial infarction, during these attacks.
Understanding Agoraphobia
- Agoraphobia occurs in about two-thirds of patients with panic disorder; it is the fear of situations where escape might be hard or where help may not be available during a panic attack.
- Commonly avoided situations include crowds, lengthy lines, being alone outside the home, and traveling via bus, train, or car.
- Patients with agoraphobia often experience significant distress when these situations cannot be avoided.
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Description
This quiz explores anxiety disorders, focusing on individualization of therapy and case-based approaches in their treatment. It is designed for students and professionals in clinical pharmacy and neuropsychiatry, helping them understand the nuances of diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders. Test your knowledge and gain insights into effective therapeutic strategies.
