Anxiety

Question 1

Write down clinical symptoms of anxiety?

Hint (physical, mood and behaviour)

Answer 1

PHYSICAL:

• Shortness of breath
• dizziness
• palpitations
• tremor
• sweating
• dry mouth
• decreased appetite
• nausea
• diarrhoea.

MOOD:

• fear
• terror
• dread
• sense of impending doom
• apprehension

BEHAVIOUR:

• exaggerated startle reflex
• motor tension
• irritability
• nail biting
• altered sleep (too much, too little, difficulty getting off to sleep, early morning waking)

Question 2

What drugs are used in the treatment of anxiety?

Answer 2

Anxiolytics (benzodiazepines for short term treatment)

And for some:

• antidepressants
• low dose antipsychotics

Question 3

Give some examples of anxiolytics?

Hint (ACDLO end in am)

Answer 3

• Alprazolam
• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Lorazepam
• Oxazepam

Question 4

What are possible interventions for anxiety?

Answer 4

• Engage in change
• Practical lifestyle changes
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Self talk
• Strength based approach to concerns
• Disrupt patterns
• Medications

Question 5

What is the aetiology of anxiety?

Answer 5

• Neurochemical
• Familial
• Genetic
• Social/cultural
• Life experience