Understanding Anxiety Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes mild anxiety?

Severe muscular tension and restlessness

Inability to focus and contact with reality is lost

Tension experienced in daily living events (correct)

Headaches and insomnia

At which level of anxiety does a person experience extreme difficulty in completing tasks?

Moderate anxiety

Severe anxiety (correct)

Mild anxiety

Panic anxiety

What is a factor contributing to anxiety disorders?

Environmental stress (correct)

Character flaw

Personal weakness

Poor upbringing

Anxiety disorders are slightly more common in which demographic?

Women Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms might indicate severe anxiety?

Palpitations and insomnia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the diagnosis of anxiety disorders?

Physical exams and medical history questions are used for evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of panic anxiety?

Hallucinations and delusions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the commonality of anxiety disorders is true?

They are equally common among different racial groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary method psychiatrists and psychologists utilize to evaluate anxiety disorders?

Patient's report and doctor's observation Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT considered a treatment option for anxiety disorders?

Electroconvulsive therapy Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on which of the following?

Recognizing and changing thought patterns Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a client with panic disorders, what is a crucial approach to maintain?

A calm and non-threatening environment Signup and view all the answers

In the care plan for clients with obsessive-compulsive disorders, which strategy is emphasized?

Exploring the meaning behind behaviors Signup and view all the answers

For a client with phobic disorders, what is essential in helping them manage their fears?

Reassurance that they are safe Signup and view all the answers

What role does relaxation therapy play in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

It offers strategies for physical and mental relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common intervention for clients experiencing obsessive thoughts?

Providing positive reinforcement for non-ritualistic behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human response to fear of being hurt or losing something.
Anxiety disorders are a serious mental illness where worry and fear are constant and overwhelming.
Peplau described four levels of anxiety:
- Mild anxiety is associated with daily tension, and can increase motivation and productivity.
- Moderate anxiety decreases concentration, increases tension, and requires assistance with problem-solving.
- Severe anxiety limits attention span, makes even simple tasks difficult, and can cause headaches, palpitations, and insomnia.
- Panic anxiety is the most intense state of anxiety, with a loss of contact with reality and potential hallucinations or delusions.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown.
They are not a result of personal weakness, character flaws, or poor upbringing.
Research suggests a combination of factors, including brain changes and environmental stress.

How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?

Approximately 19 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders.
Most cases begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
They are slightly more common in women than men.
They occur equally across white, African-American, and Hispanic populations.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?

An evaluation includes asking questions about medical history and completing a physical exam.
There are no specific lab tests to diagnose anxiety disorders, but tests can rule out any underlying physical causes.
If physical illness is not found, a psychiatrist or psychologist assesses the individual for potential anxiety disorders.
Diagnosis is based on symptom intensity, duration, impact on daily functioning, and observations of attitude and behavior.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated?

Medication: Antidepressants and anxiety-reducing medications are used to reduce symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Counseling addresses the emotional response to mental illness.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps individuals recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxiety.
Other treatments include:
- Relaxation therapy
- Dietary and lifestyle changes

Care Plan for Client with Panic Disorders or GAD

Stay with the client and assure them of their safety and security.
Maintain a calm and non-threatening environment.
Keep the surroundings low in stimuli.
Teach the client relaxation techniques and coping strategies such as exercise.

Care Plan for Client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Work with the client to identify situations that increase anxiety.
Encourage independent behavior.
Support the client in exploring the meaning behind their compulsive behaviors.
Schedule activities for the client, including gradual reduction of rituals.
Give positive reinforcement for non-ritualistic behavior.
Help the client learn ways to interrupt obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors through relaxation and exercise.

Care Plan for Client with Phobic Disorders

Reassure the client of their safety.
Discuss the reality of the situation with the client.
Include the client in making decisions about alternative coping strategies.
Encourage the client to explore underlying feelings that may contribute to their fears.

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Description

This quiz explores the nature of anxiety, its levels, and causes. Learn about mild to panic anxiety as well as the underlying factors contributing to anxiety disorders. It offers insight into how anxiety affects individuals' lives and the importance of understanding these mental health issues.