Anxiety Disorders and Neurotransmitters

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to anxiety disorders and their treatments.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, playing a key role in reducing anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A disorder involving persistent and excessive anxiety about various aspects of daily life.

Phobic Disorders

Intense irrational fears of specific objects or situations leading to avoidance behavior.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by recurrent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)

A brain region that amplifies fear signals and is often malfunctioning in anxiety disorders.

Amygdala

A brain structure responsible for the processing of emotions, such as fear and anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A treatment for anxiety disorders focused on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors that a person feels compelled to perform in response to obsession.

5-HT

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can be overactive in anxiety disorders.

Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter that can also be overactive in anxiety disorders, contributing to symptoms.

Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy (ERT)

A specific therapy effective for phobic disorders involving gradual exposure to feared situations.

Beta Blockers

Medications that block the effects of norepinephrine, often used to treat anxiety symptoms.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications that enhance the effect of GABA and are used to treat anxiety. Examples include Valium and Xanax.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, involved in the stress response and regulation of cortisol levels.

GABAA Receptors

Receptors in the brain that GABA binds to, facilitating inhibitory neurotransmission.

Chronic Stress

Continual exposure to stressful events, leading to physical and psychological dysregulation.

Obsessive Thoughts

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts that cause distress and anxiety in OCD.

Risk Factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.