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Anxiety Disorders
Psych
68
Medical
Graduate
10/25/2011

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Term
anxiety definition
Definition
unpleasant state of anticipation, apprehension, fear, or dread often accompanied by a physiologic state of autonomic arousal, alertness, and motor tensions
Term
psychological symptoms accompanying anxiety
Definition
(what's going through your mind)

-fear, apprehension, dread, sense of impending doom
-worry, rumination, obsession
-nervousness, uneasiness, distress
-derealization (world seems distorted or unreal)
-depersonalization (one's body feel unreal or disconnected)
Term
physiological symptoms of anxiety
Definition
sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, flushing/chills, hyperrelexia, hyperventilation, lightheadedness, numbness, palpitations, pupil dilation, restlessness, SOB, syncope, tachycardia, tingling, tremor, upset stomach, urinary frequency
Term
normal anxiety
Definition
ADAPTIVE psychological and physiological response to a stressful or threatening situation
Term
*abnormal anxiety*
Definition
**MALADAPTIVE response to real or imagined stress or threat**

-response is disproportionate to stress or threat
-stress or threat is nonexistent, imaginary, or misinterpreted
-symptoms interfere with adaptation or response to stress or threat
-symptoms interfere with other life functions
Term
neuronal pathways of the normal fear response
Definition
-3 types of input to amygdala
-amygdala processes information and coordinated response
-3 output destinations from amygdala
-modulated by neurotransmitters
Term
amygdala
Definition
key brain region that modulates everything about the anxiety response
Term
input to the amygdala in the normal fear response neuronal pathway
Definition
1. thalamus and sensory cortex
2. hippocampus
3. medial prefrontal cortex
Term
thalamus and sensory cortex
Definition
provide sensory information to the amygdala
Term
hippocampus
Definition
-contextual memory
-interpretation of sensory input
-emotional valence of memories

input to amygdala
NE
Term
medial prefrontal cortex
Definition
-mediation of response
-interpretation of complex stimuli
-extinction of conditioned fear and emotional memory (suppress the fear)
-declarative memory
-learning

input to amygdala
5HT
Term
output to the amygdala in the normal fear response neuronal pathway
Definition
1. brainstem
2. hypothalamus
3. motor cortex
Term
brainstem
Definition
locus coeruleus, raphe nuclei

-autonomic arousal (tachycardia, tachypnea, diarrhea), occurring before you are cognizant of what's going on
-cognitive arousal, attention, startle
-visceral sensory activation

output from amygdala
5HT
Term
hypothalamus
Definition
-activation of HPA ais
-cortisol release, major mediator of body's stress response int he short term

output of amygdala
CRH
Term
motor cortex
Definition
-behavioral response ("run away")

output of amygdala
5HT
Term
neurotransmitters involved in the neuronal pathway of the normal fear response
Definition
NE (to frontal cortex, limbics, brainstem, spinal cord)

5HT (to cortex, limbics, hypothalamus)

GABA (inhibitory interneurons)

CRH/corticotropin releasing hormone (to hypothalamus, cerebral cortext)
Term
neuroplasticity
Definition
-neurons are physically changing with learning
-learning leads to neurogenesis, dendrite formation, synpase formation, and synapse turnover
-cortisols and CRH BLOCK neuroplasticity, leading to indelible memories
Term
learning theory of pathophysiology of anxiety
Definition
Classical fear conditioning

Inhibitory avoidance

Sensitization
Term
classical fear conditioning
Definition
(cue-specific fear)

learned association between a neutral stimulus and fear response leads to episodic anxiety

(Pavlov)
Term
inhibitory avoidance
Definition
(contextual fear)

repeated exposure to fear-inducing stimulus leads to pervasive anxiety
Term
sensitization
Definition
early life trauma leads to anxiety in later stressful situations
Term
neural mechanisms in the pathophysiology of anxiety
Definition
Reconsolidation

Extinction
Term
reconsolidation
Definition
-neural mechanism in the pathophys of anxiety
-repeated reactivation of neural pathways strengthens memories and anxiety responses = same thing happening over and over reinforces the anxiety
-transient destabilization of synapses with each activation
-therapeutic interventions are most effective during reconsolidation-->can change neuronal response (basis of exposure therapy in phobias)
Term
extinction
Definition
-neural mechanism in the pathophys of anxiety
-learning new memories and responses (not forgetting existing memories) via the medial prefrontal cortex and sensory cortex
-ex: practice breathing technique while imagining the stimulus
Term
NE neurochemical abnormalities
Definition
stress increases noradrenergic activity in the locus coeruleus (brainstem, output)
Term
5HT neurochemical abnormalities
Definition
-anxiety occurs with decreased serotonin-1A receptors
-stress induced reduction of receptors early in life has permanent effects on receptor activity
-level of receptor activity is genetically determined
Term
GABA neurochemical abnormalities
Definition
decreased activity in cerebral cortex and subcortical regions is associated with anxiety
Term
CRH neurochemical abnormalities
Definition
-increased amygdala corticotropin releasing hormone activity is associated with anxiety
-increases anxiety related behaviors
-decreased routine activities (ex eating, sex growth)
Term
panic attack
Definition
a discrete period of intense fear or distress, accompanied by specific physical and psychological symptoms
Term
panic attack characteristics
Definition
-rapid onset (seconds)
-symptoms peak within 10 minutes
-symptoms may be spontaneous OR in response to a specific stimulus
-may occur in the context of panic disorder, social phobia, other anxiety disorders, or as an isolated incident
Term
panic attack differential diagnosis
Definition
-many physical disorders
-rule out by hx, PE, labwork
Term
agoraphobia
Definition
-anxiety about being in situations from which escape might be difficult or help would not be available if a panic attack occurred
-being outside home, traveling in car or plane, being on a bridge, being in public places are avoided or endured with great distress
-usually secondary to panic disorder
-often extremely debilitating
Term
panic disorder
Definition
recurrent panic attacks, accompanied by at least one month of persistent concern about having another attack, or a change in behavior due to the attacks

+/- agoraphobia
Term
panic disorder epidemiology
Definition
-2x higher F>M
-onset in young adulthood

lifetime risk =1% w/ agoraphhobia; =4% w/o agoraphobia
Term
panic disorder etiology
Definition
strong biological component (15-20% concordance with 1st degree relatives)

behavioral component has been suggested
Term
panic disorder course
Definition
-course is variable
-agoraphobia tends to worsen if panic attacks are present
-untreated attacks w/o agoraphobia can lead to its development (much harder to treat then)
-comorbidities with MDD, suicide, alcohol abuse
Term
panic disorder treatment
Definition
Meds: SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, benzodiazepines (buspirone not effective)

behavioral therapies and MAOIs most effect for agoraphobia
Term
social phobia
Definition
marked and persistent fear of embarrassment in social or performance situations, which is recognized as being excessive, and which interferes with the person's function

**fear is related to being observed (NOT related to shyness/intimacy)
Term
social phobia epidemiology
Definition
-prevalence 2-5%
-2xF>M
-adolescent onset, often in a shy child
Term
social phobia etiology
Definition
-more common among 1st degree relatives
-associated with high automonic arousal
Term
social phobia course and treatment
Definition
-course is typically lifelong and continuous
-Tx: beta blockers for performance anxiety, behavioral therapy, SSRIs, benzo, MAOIs
Term
specific phobia
Definition
(formerly "simple phobia")

-marked and persistent fear of a specific object or situation
-exposure to the "phobic stimulus" almost always provokes an immediate anxiety response, recognized as being excessive, which leads to avoidance of the stimulus, and interferes with the person's function
Term
specific phobia epidemiology
Definition
-10% prevalence
-3xF>M
-onset usually childhood, 2nd peak of onset in 20's
Term
specific phobia etiology
Definition
more common among 1st degree relatives
Term
specific phobia course and treatment
Definition
-usually lifelong and continuous
-comorbidities are vasovagal fainting, alcohol abuse
-Tx: behavioral (exposure) therapy is most effective; benzo for scheduled exposure (ex plane ride)
Term
OCD
Definition
-recurrent and persistent thoughts (obsessions) or behaviors (compulsions) that are recognized as being excessive and unreasonable
-cause either marked distress (often experienced as extreme anxiety), are time-consuming, or interfere with the person's function
Term
obsessions
Definition
recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and disturbing
Term
compulsions
Definition
repetitive behaviors (eg hand washing, checking, counting) that the person is driven to perform in response to obsessions or according to rigid rules, in order to reduce distress or prevent a feared situation

*meaningless repetition
Term
OCD epidemiology
Definition
-not rare, prevalence of 2-3%
-onset in early teens (M) and mid-20's (F)
Term
OCD etiology
Definition
-highly biologic disorder
-30% concordance rate among 1st degree relatives
-75% concordance rate between MZ tiwns
Term
OCD course and comorbidities
Definition
-course is usually lifelong
-waxing and waning of symptoms
-severe symptoms cause extreme disability
-comorib with MDD, eating disorders, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, Tourette's, schizotypal traits
Term
OCD treatment
Definition
-SSRIs
-clomipramine
-behavioral therapy
-psychosurgery in severe cases (one of the few cases that can be indicative of surgical treatment)
Term
PTSD
Definition
**following a severe traumatic event, the person re-experiences the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or disturbing memories
**consciously or unconsciously avoids stimuli associated with the trauma
**experiences increased arousal (overall becomes more anxious)

-symptoms last more than 1 month
-symptoms significantly interfere with the person's function
Term
PTSD flashback
Definition
-sensory phenomena
-loose track of who they are
Term
PTSD epidemiology
Definition
-relatively common with 2-9% prevalence
-highest prevalence is following war experiences and sexual assault
-lower prevalence following MVA, fires, natural disasters
-F>M
Term
PTSD etiology
Definition
predisposing factors include anxiety, depression, and antisocial traits in the individual or family
Term
PTSD course
Definition
-onset of symptoms may be immediate (w/in 6 months) or delayed (>6 months) of the trauma
-course is variable
-comorbid with suicide, MDD, substance abuse
Term
PTSD treatment
Definition
-behavioral therapy
-SSRIs, TCAs, MAOIs
-combo of beh therapy + antidepressant med
Term
acute stress disorder
Definition
-similar to PTSD
-onset within 1 month of the traumatic event
-symptoms subside within 1 month of onset

**1 month limitation**
Term
generalized anxiety disorder
Definition
excessive anxiety and worry about several events or issues, accompanied by at least 3 somatic or psychological symptoms, lasting at least 6 months, and interfering with the person's ability to function
Term
GAD epidemiology
Definition
-5% prevalence
-F>M
-onset usually in early life, but may occur at any age
Term
GAD etiology
Definition
weak association with anxiety disorders of all types among 1st degree relatives
Term
GAD course
Definition
-chronic
-waxing and waning often in response to stressful situations
-commonly comorbid with other anxiety disorders
-may be comorbid with MDD
Term
GAD treatment
Definition
-benzo
-busiprone
-SSRIs
-TCAs
-behavioral (relaxation) therapy
Term
adjustment disorder with anxiety
Definition
-significant anxiety, worry, or nervousness arising in response to an identifiable psychosocial stressor
-onset within 3 months of stressor
-symptoms resolve within 6 months of stressor
Term
anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition
Definition
-anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessive compulsive symptoms arise as a direct physiological effect of the medical condition

-anxiety arising as an emotional response to the stress of an illness should be diagnosed as an adjustment disorder

**NOT being anxious because you have a medical condition**
Term
substance induced anxiety disorder
Definition
anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessive compulsive symptoms arising from substance intoxication or withdrawal
Term
substances commonly associated with anxiety symptoms
Definition
intoxication: amphetamine, caffeine, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, marijuana, nicotine, phencyclidine

withdrawal: alcohol, opiate, sedative
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