Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

What is Panic attack?

Answer 1

experience of intense anxiety with feelings of dread and doom accompanied by 4 or more symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity

Question 2

What are common symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity?

Answer 2

Diaphoresis, Trembling, Chest pain, fear of dying, chills, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, dissociative symptoms and paresthesias

Question 3

What defines a panic disorder?

Answer 3

1 month of persistent worry or fear of having another panic attack and/or Significant maladaptive behavior to avoid the possibility of another panic attack

Question 4

What is the first line treatment for a panic disorder?

Answer 4

SSRI: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline

Question 5

What other treatments may be helpful for panic disorder?

Answer 5

Benzodiazepines: alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam

Behavioral and individual therapy: with medication not the sole treatment

Question 6

What is a phobia?

Answer 6

fear of an object or situation and the need to avoid it

Question 7

How are phobias diagnosed?

Answer 7

Hx: symptoms must last over 6 months, be persistent and disabling

Question 8

How do you treat phobias?

Answer 8

Behavioral modification: Systematic desensitization

Relaxation techniques

Question 9

What is social anxiety?

Answer 9

Feat of a situation such as public restrooms, eating in public, or public speaking: involve situations where something potentially embarrassing may happen

Question 10

What is used for Performance anxiety such as stage freight?

Answer 10

Beta-Blockers 30-60 minutes prior to the performance