W5 Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar affective disorder Flashcards
(129 cards)
What is anxiety?
Anxiety itself is not a disorder.
What defines an anxiety disorder?
Disorders involving excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disturbances.
What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
Fear = response to imminent threat; Anxiety = anticipation of future threat.
What are common features of anxiety disorders?
Often involve avoidance behaviours; May co-occur with other anxiety or depressive disorders; Typically persistent (6+ months); Early treatment increases likelihood of recovery.
List the types of anxiety disorders.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Selective Mutism
- Specific Phobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety
- Anxiety due to medical condition
- Other/Unspecified Anxiety Disorders
What is the anxiety continuum?
Levels of symptoms range from mild (slight ↑HR/BP) to panic (dilated pupils, freezing/fleeing).
What are the psychological responses to anxiety?
- Edgy
- Nervous
- Frightened
- Fearful
- Jittery
- Impatient
What are cognitive distortions associated with anxiety?
- Mental filter
- Catastrophising
- Black & white thinking
- Overgeneralisation
- Emotional reasoning
- Labelling
- ‘Shoulding’ and ‘musting’
- Personalisation
What are common physical symptoms of anxiety?
- ↑ BP/HR
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
What is the diagnostic criteria for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
- Excessive anxiety/worry on most days for 6+ months
- Difficult to control the worry
- 3+ symptoms: Restlessness, Fatigue, Poor concentration, Irritability, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbance
- Causes significant distress or functional impairment
- Not due to substances, medical condition, or another disorder.
What characterizes a panic attack?
Sudden intense fear without real threat; Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fear of dying.
What are immediate nursing interventions for a panic attack?
- Stay with person, reassure
- Stay calm and use short/simple sentences
- Remove to quiet, safe space
- Administer meds if prescribed.
What ongoing nursing interventions can be applied for panic attacks?
- Educate about panic attacks
- Teach coping techniques (breathing, reframing)
- Explore stressors and triggers
- Refer to GP if no history.
What assessment tools are used for anxiety disorders?
- Hamilton Anxiety Scale
- Yale-Brown OCD Scale
What are some questions to ask during an anxiety assessment?
- What are your symptoms/fears?
- How long have you had them?
- How do they affect you?
- What helps when symptoms appear?
What are acute nursing interventions for anxiety?
- Reduce demands, create calm space
- Provide regular feedback and highlight success
- Encourage relaxation and coping skills
- Identify triggers and evaluate medication need.
What are some psychological treatment approaches for anxiety?
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- ACT
- Narrative Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Systematic Desensitisation
- Compassion-Focused Therapy.
What is the preferred first-line pharmacological treatment for anxiety?
Antidepressants (SSRIs).
What are common side effects of SSRIs?
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sleep issues
- Sexual dysfunction.
Fill in the blank: Panic attacks are not classified as a _______ but can occur within many disorders.
disorder
True or False: Benzodiazepines are considered first-line treatment for anxiety.
False
What is the first step in supporting a person experiencing anxiety?
Recognise the experience
This involves acknowledging the individual’s feelings and symptoms.
What is a key approach when communicating with someone who is anxious?
Convey calmness and confidence
This helps in containing their anxiety.
What should be avoided when communicating with a person experiencing anxiety?
Medical terminology and jargon
These can impede the therapeutic relationship.