Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, aiding in exam preparation.

Agoraphobia

“open space” An anxiety disorder characterized by the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help is unavailable.

Anxiety

A feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, uncertainty, or dread resulting from a real or perceived threat.

Compulsions

Ritualistic behaviors a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety or stress.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological ways we can cope with stress and anxiety to protect the self.

Mild Anxiety

A level of anxiety where individuals see, hear, and grasp more information, and problem-solving is effective.

Moderate Anxiety

A level of anxiety where individuals see, hear, and grasp less information, creating a tunnel vision effect.

Obsessions

Persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are difficult to dismiss from the mind.

Panic

An intense level of anxiety where individuals may lose touch with reality and experience extreme fear.

Severe Anxiety

A level of anxiety characterized by a reduced perceptual field and difficulty noticing the environment. problem solving nearly impossible 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worrying about various aspects of life.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder where individuals experience excessive fear over being away from a significant other.

Specific Phobia

An irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that causes overwhelming anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A condition marked by fear or anxiety in social situations or performance situations.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.

Trichotillomania

A condition involving the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair.

Hoarding Disorder

A psychological condition characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions due to perceived need.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A mental disorder involving preoccupation with perceived physical defects.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A treatment modality that helps reframe negative thinking patterns.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral therapy technique that involves gradual exposure to feared stimuli.

Flooding

A treatment method where a person is exposed to a large amount of the feared stimulus for a prolonged period.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission to induce relaxation and sedation.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety levels.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications that enhance the calming effects of GABA.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a class of drugs used to treat anxiety and depression.

SNRI

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, a class of medications for depression and anxiety.

Altruism

A defense mechanism that involves reaching out to others to cope with anxiety.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings are transformed into acceptable behaviors.

The OCD Cycle

A recurring cycle involving distressing obsessions, compulsions to relieve anxiety, and temporary relief.

Coping Skills

Techniques or strategies to manage stressors and anxiety.

Behavioral Theories

Theories suggesting that anxiety is a learned response.

Cognitive Theories

Theories positing that anxiety results from cognitive distortions.

Interpersonal Theories

Theories that identify unmet early needs as a cause of anxiety.

Peplau’s Levels of Anxiety

A framework that categorizes anxiety into mild, moderate, severe, and panic levels.

DSM-5 Anxiety Disorders

The classification system for various anxiety disorders recognized in the DSM-5.

Risk Factors for Anxiety

Includes genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and psychological factors.

Antidepressants

Medications primarily used to treat depression but also effective for anxiety disorders.

Buspirone

A non-addicting medication used to treat anxiety, enhancing serotonin receptors.

Evaluation of Treatment

Assessing if the patient can identify triggers and implement coping strategies.

Natural Remedies

Alternative treatments that some patients may prefer over traditional medications.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

Intense apprehension with feelings of doom, physical sensations like heart pounding.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Manifestations such as tachycardia, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal distress.

Low Serotonin Theory

The hypothesis that low levels of serotonin may contribute to anxiety disorders.

Mind and Body Approaches

Techniques that integrate physical and psychological methods for treating anxiety.