Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, symptoms, and interventions related to anxiety disorders as discussed in the lecture.

Anxiety Disorders

Involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life and function.

Panic Disorder

Characterized by sudden panic attacks, often accompanied by a fear of dying or losing control.

Agoraphobia

Fear of places where escape is difficult, such as crowds or public transportation.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A condition involving persistent and uncontrollable worry across various domains.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Includes obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (rituals).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Involves trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance.

Social Phobia

Fear of social or performance situations.

Specific Phobias

Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as snakes or flying.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Can include increased heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.

Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety

Difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and trouble organizing thoughts.

Psychosocial Symptoms of Anxiety

Involves social withdrawal, isolation, and disruption of roles.

Relaxation Techniques

Methods such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation and deep breathing to lower arousal.

Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies

Includes Mindfulness-Based Therapy and EMDR to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Exposure Therapy

A behavioral approach that involves graded exposure to feared stimuli.

Occupational Interventions

Strategies like interpersonal skills training and sensory modulation to support individuals.

SSRI Medications (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa

Selectively Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors used long-term for anxiety management.

BZ Medications (Benzodiazepines) Xanax, Ativan

Benzodiazepines used for short-term relief but carry a high risk of dependence.

Sleep aids (e.g., Ambien)

may impair alertness and function

therapy approach that involves eye movements or other forms of stimulation to process traumatic memories to reduce anxiety

EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing