Exam 3 Flashcards
anxiety
feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, uncertainty, or dread resulting from a real or perceived threat whose actual source is unknown or unrecognized
fear
reaction to a specific danger
levels of anxiety
mild, moderate, severe, panic
mild anxiety
everyday problem-solving leverage; grasps info more effectively; possible slight physical discomfort such as restlessness, irritability, or fidgety
moderate anxiety
selective inattention; clear thinking is hampered; problem solving is not optimal, sympathetic nervous system symptoms begin
severe anxiety
perceptual field greatly reduced; difficulty concentrating on environment; confused and automatic behavior; somatic symptoms increase; stay by pt side and dont leave alone
panic
markedly disturbed behavior like running, shouting, screaming, pacing; unable to process reality; impulsivity; may not be able to implement coping mechanisms or encourage certain behavior; do not leave pt alone
5 important properties of defense mechanisms
major means of managing unconscious conflict; they are for the most part unconscious; they are discrete from one another; they can be seen as part of many psychiatric disorders; they can be both adaptive and pathological
defense mechanisms
are automatic coping styles; protect people from anxiety; maintain self-image by blocking feelings conflicts and memories; can be healthy or unhealthy; are reversible
examples of healthy defense mechanisms
altruism, sublimation, humor, suppression, repression, displacement, reaction formation, somatization, undoing, rationalization
examples of immature defense mechanisms
passive aggression, acting-out behaviors, dissociation, devaluation, idealization, splitting, projection, denial
frequent co-occurring conditions with anxiety
depressive disorders, alcohol/drug use disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, MDD
chronic anxiety can…
lead to increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality
types of anxiety disorders
generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder
when diagnosing someone with an anxiety disorder…
need to rule out other medical causes and/or causes of anxiety d/t substance use
GAD- generalized anxiety disorder
hallmark feature is excessive worry out of proportion to event; nedd 3 associated symptoms of feeling on edge/restless, irritability, fatigue, concen. impairment (ADHD must be ruled out), sleep disturbances, muscle tension; causes change in social, occupational, or other areas of function;
difference between diagnosing children vs adults with GAD
adults need 3 associated symptoms where children need 1
comorbidities of GAD
depression, other anxiety disorders
gold standard of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
SSRI/SNRI
social anxiety disorder
severe anxiety caused by exposure to social or performance situation; fear of saying something foolish or not being able to answer a question in class or eating in front of others or performing on stage or being among others; fear of public speaking is most common
panic disorders
feelings of terror; suspension of normal functioning; severely limited perceptual field; misinterpretation of reality; sudden onsets (not always in present of stress); often coupled with OCD; do not leave pt alone
s/s of panic attacks
palpitations, chest pain, diaphoresis, muscle tension, urinary frequency, hyperventilation, breathing difficulties, nausea, feelings of choking, chills, hot flashes, GI symptoms
panic agoraphobia
intense and excessive level of anxiety and fear of being in places or situations where escaping is impossible; avoidance of feared places is common; avoiding behaviors become debilitating and life constricting
when someone arrives at the ED with panic…
assess for proper cardiac workup; referral is needed for potential diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorder