Mental Health Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
A long term condition that causes a feeling of unease, worry or fear which can be mild or severe
Anxiety can be a symptoms of other conditions including…
PTSD
Panic disorder
Phobias
Social anxiety disorder
What risk factors can contribute to the development of generalised anxiety disorder? (6)
- Genetics
- History of stress or traumatic events
- Painful long term health conditions
- History of drug or alcohol misuse
- Women
- Age 35 to 55
What are some psychological symptoms of anxiety?
Restlessness/worry
Sense of fear
Constantly on edge
Irritability
Having issues concentrating or sleeping
What are some physical symptoms of anixety?
Dizziness
Tiredness
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Stomachache
What conditions should be ruled out when diagnosing anxiety?
Anaemia
Hypothyroidism
What are the three forms of treatment for GAD?
Self -help
Talking therapies
Medication
What medications may be used in the treatment of anxiety?
SSRIs
SNRIs
Pregabalin
Benzodiazepines
What are some lifestyle changes that could have a positive effect on mental health?
Regular exercise (150 minutes moderate exercise a week)
Stop smoking
Avoid caffeine
Reduce alcohol intake
What is the purpose of cognitive behavioural therapy?
Mechanism to help control or manage anxiety but changing negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviours
What SSRIs may be used in anxiety?
Sertraline (1st line), escitalopram, paroxetine
What are some common side effects of SSRIs?
Feeling agitated
Will feel worse for the first 4 weeks of taking before feeling better
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of sex drive
Excessive sweating
HYPONATRAEMIA
When would SNRIs be given to a person with anxiety?
If SSRIs are uneffective
What are some examples of SNRIs used for anxiety?
Duloxetine
Venlanfexine - increased risk of suicide, toxicity and withdrawal symptoms
What are some common side effects of SNRIs?
Nausea
Headaches
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Insomnia
Sweating
Sexual problems
When may pregabalin be used to treat anxiety?
If SSRIs and SNRIs are uneffective
What are some side effects of pregabalin?
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Blurred vision
Headaches
Dry mouth
Vertigo
When are benzodiazepines used in the treatment of anxiety?
Sedatives such as diazepam may be given in severe episodes of anxiety
SHORT TERM TREATMENT
have to monitor as there is risk of addiction if used for more than 4 weeks
What are some common side effects of benzodiazepines?
Drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating
Headache
Vertigo
Shaking/tremor
Low sex drive
What are some monitoring requirements for SSRIs and SNRIs?
Weekly monitoring for first month of treatment to reduce risk of self harm particularly in those under thirty
Bleed risk of SSRIs - elderly, or if taking other drugs that interfere with GI mucosa such as NSAIDs
What is depression?
Major depressive disorder (depression) is a common serious mental health disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think and act. Involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure/interest in activities for long periods of time
Risk factors to depression
Biochemistry - brain chemicals
Genetics
Personality - low self esteem
Life events - stress, trauma, bereavement etc
Physical health - cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic conditions
What is a depressive episode?
Depressed mood feeling sad, irritable or empty
Losing pleasure/interest in activities
Can be mild, moderate or severe
