Anxiety Flashcards
(127 cards)
What is anxiety?
A normal emotion under circumstances of threat and is thought to be part of the evolutionary fight or flight reaction of survival.
When does anxiety become a disorder?
When it is overwhelming and affecting function and quality of life
What are the core symptoms of anxiety? (2)
- Psychological
- Fear/anxiety, worry, apprehension, difficulty concentrating - Somatic (physical)
- Increased HR, tremor, sweating, GI upset
Which circuit in the brain primarily relates to fear?
Amygdala-centered circuit
Which circuit in the brain primarily relates to worry?
Cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit
What are the neurotransmitters that regulate the brain circuits associated with anxiety? (6)
- 5HT
- GABA
- Glutamate
- CRF/HPA
- NE
- Voltage-gated ion channels
GABA _________ activity of neurons
decreases
True or False? Gabapentin and pregabalin work on GABA in the brain
False - despite their names they have no association with GABA, they work on the 𝜶2ẟ subunit of presynaptic N and P/Q voltage-sensitive calcium channel to block release of glutamate when neurotransmission is excessive
What happens with SNRIs and β1 receptors when initially starting the medication?
Symptoms can be worsened at initial dosing with SNRIs but as β1 receptors downregulate, fear/worry improves long term
What are 4 aspects to evaluation of anxiety disorders?
- Gather history
- Review of systems
- Rule out anxiety disorders due to general medical conditions or substance use
- Review substances used (caffeine, OTC use, herbal medications, recreational substances) - Suicidal ideation or intent
What classes of drugs are classified as serotonergic agents? (3)
- SSRIs
- SNRIs
- TCAs
What drugs are classified as 𝜶2ẟ ligand drugs? (2)
- Gabapentin
- Pregabalin
What drugs are classified as selective serotonin agents (5HT1A agonists) (2)?
- Buspirone
- Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs)
What drug is an 𝜶1-1 adrenergic antagonist?
Prazosin
What are unique considerations to remember for bupropion? (2)
- Activating.
- Risk of seizures, avoid if seizure history, head trauma, bulimia, anorexia, electrolyte disturbances
What are unique considerations to remember for buspirone? (3)
- Slow onset, modest efficacy.
- May be helpful to augment therapy in those with partial response to antidepressants.
- Avoid if comorbid depression
What is a unique consideration to remember for citalopram? (2)
- Lower risk for insomnia, agitation, drug interactions compared to other SSRIs.
- Dose dependent risk of QT prolongation
What is a unique consideration to remember for duloxetine? (3)
- May be useful for comorbid pain.
- Compared to SSRIs: increased withdrawal symptoms if not tapered, increased insomnia or agitation.
- Avoid if liver disease or heavy EtOH use.
What are unique considerations to remember for escitalopram? (1)
- Similar to citalopram, except QT risk is controversial
What are unique considerations to remember for fluoxetine? (3)
- More activating than other SSRIs
- Self-tapering due to long half-life
- Drug interactions
What are unique considerations to remember for fluvoxamine? (2)
- Withdrawal symptoms if not tapered.
- Risk for drug interactions due to inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19
What are unique considerations to remember for hydroxyzine? (2)
- Useful for co-morbid insomnia
- Dose-related anticholinergic effects limit clinical use
What are unique considerations to remember for imipramine? (2)
- Anticholinergic; cardiotoxic in overdose
- Not well tolerated
What are unique considerations to remember for mirtazapine? (3)
- Helpful with comorbid insomnia
- Lower doses are more sedating
- May increase appetite and lead to weight gain