Treatments for Anxiety and Insomnia

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to anxiety and insomnia, their treatments, and relevant medications.

Anxiety

An emotional response or behavior in the presence of stress that is above and beyond typical expected stress.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A medical diagnosis where anxiety is prolonged for at least six months and is difficult to control.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors, impacting the individual's ability to function.

Panic Attack

A sudden episode of intense anxiety or fear that includes physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, but with no identifiable threat.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex diagnosis resulting from experiencing traumatic events, leading to reliving the trauma through dissociations or flashbacks.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices and habits that are conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs used to treat anxiety and insomnia by enhancing the effects of GABA, but with risks of dependence.

Rebound Insomnia

The worsened insomnia that occurs when a person stops using sleep medications after a period of use.

Antidepressants

Drugs often used to treat both depression and anxiety by affecting neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.

Antilytic drugs

Medications that help to decrease anxiety.

Sedatives

Drugs that depress central nervous system responses, often used to induce relaxation and sleep.

Hypnotics

High doses of sedatives that are used specifically to induce sleep.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that is effective for treating anxiety by addressing negative thought patterns.

Medications

Should not be relied upon for long-term management of anxiety or insomnia, but can be used temporarily to manage symptoms.

Valerian Root

An herbal preparation used to promote sleep and induce calm, but can interact with other medications.

Diphenhydramine

An over-the-counter antihistamine that may induce drowsiness, but chronic use can lead to rebound insomnia.

GABA

The most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps reduce neuronal excitability.

Tranquilizer

An outdated term for medication that induces a calming effect, now more commonly referred to as anxiolytics.

Phobia

An irrational fear that is out of proportion to what is considered typical or expected.

Situational Anxiety

Anxiety that occurs due to specific situations, identified triggers, that go beyond typical daily stressors.

Barbiturates

A class of medications that are rarely used for anxiety or insomnia due to their high risk of dependence.

Anti-Seizure Medications

Medications that can be used occasionally for treating anxiety symptoms, although not primarily indicated for this purpose.