Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Defense Mechanisms

panic disorder

• Characterized by recurrent panic attacks, not a response to a specific stimulus, accompanied by intense physical /cognitive symptoms and interferes with the person’s social, relational, & occupational functioning

• Onset is unpredictable

• Symptoms peak within 10 min of onset

palpitations, racing heart, diaphoresis, flushing, trembling, shaking

Name s/s of panic disorder.

phobia

an illogical, intense, persistent fear of a specific object or social situation that results in the person being compelled to avoid the object/situation, causes extreme distress and interferes with normal life functioning

agoraphobia

• Fear of being in situations where escape is perceived as difficult or not possible and help is not available

• Causes significant distress or impairment in occupational and/or social functioning

  • Onset: ages 20-30

  • Higher incidence in women

  • Varying degrees

social phobias

• Excessive fear of doing something embarrassing or the potential of being evaluated negatively by others.

• Causes significant distress or impairment in occupational and/or social functioning

  • Exposure yields symptoms of anxiety & panic

  • Excessive self-consciousness

to decrease the fear & increase ability to function in the presence of the stimulus

What is the goal of phobias?

systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques

What are the cognitive and behavioral therapies of phobias?

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Characterized by pervasive, persistent anxiety of at least (6) months’ duration, more days than not, but without phobias, panic attacks or obsessions and compulsions.

restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances

What are common symptoms of GAD?

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

A combination of intrusive, irrational thoughts and behavioral rituals performed to dispel the unwanted thoughts that cause the person marked distress or significant impairment

hoarding disorder

The obsessive desire to hold on to objects regardless of their actual value or usefulness; excessive need to collect items

body dysmorphic disorder

The exaggerated belief that the body is deformed or defective in some specific way.

trichotillomania

Characterized by chronic, repetitive, pulling out of one’s body hair; noticeable hair loss anywhere on the body, an inability to stop the behavior, and causes distress or impairment

excoriation disorder (trichotillomania)

Characterized by recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions; often accompanied with anxiety or boredom, may occur with/ without full awareness, an inability to stop the behavior, and causes distress or impairment

developing more adaptive coping methods for anxiety without resorting to the use of ritualistic behaviors

What is the goal of OCD?

cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques

What are the cognitive and behavioral therapies of OCD?

benzodiazepines

a class of central nervous system depressants that slow brain activity to relieve anxiety, relax muscles, prevent seizures, and aid sleep

bupropion

atypical antidepressant and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It is available by prescription only.

buspirone

an oral prescription medication primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and provide short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It belongs to the azapirone class of compounds and is not chemically or pharmacologically related to benzodiazepines or barbiturates