Lecture on Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Definition and Nature of Anxiety

• Anxiety: Unpleasant mental state worrying about possible future dangers or upsetting events.
• Manifestations:
  • Physiological: Increased heart rate.
  • Psychological: Pessimistic thought patterns.
  • Behavioral: Avoidance of certain situations.
• Adaptive Role: Predict possible negative outcomes and take preventive actions (e.g., exercising due to health concerns).
• Comparison to Pain: Both distressing but serve a practical purpose by motivating avoidance of harm.

Anxiety Disorders

• When anxiety becomes excessive and maladaptive, it can lead to anxiety disorders.
• Anxiety as both a state (immediate) and a trait (chronic).

Acute vs. Chronic Anxiety

• Acute Anxiety Signs ("STUDENT SPAR CES"):
  • Sweating, Trembling, Unsteadiness, Dissociation, Elevated heart rate, Nausea, Tingling, Shortness of breath.
  • Panic attacks involve these symptoms.
• Chronic Anxiety Signs ("MISERABLE"):
  • Muscle tension, Irritability, Difficulty with sleep, Low energy, Restlessness, Poor attention.

Prevalence and Demographics

• Anxiety disorders: Most common group of mental disorders.
• Higher diagnosis in women than men.
• Typically begin in childhood or adolescence.
• Chronic progression without treatment.

Impact and Risks of Anxiety Disorders

• Low risk of suicide but significant social and occupational impairment.
• Chronic nature leads to persistent dysfunction.

Diagnosis and Treatment Goals

• Goal: Restore anxiety as a helpful signal, not eliminate it.
• Treatment Options:
  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as first-line treatment.
  • Medications: SSRIs (often combined with CBT), Benzodiazepines (short-term use).

Specific Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Mnemonic: "GAD's I'm Miserable"
  • Symptoms: Excessive general anxiety, muscle tension, irritability, sleep issues.
  • Treatment: CBT, SSRIs, Buspirone.

Panic Disorder

• Symptoms: Sudden panic attacks, fear of next attack.
• Mnemonic: "SURPRISE"
  • Sudden, Unexpected, Recurrent panic attacks.
• Treatment: CBT, SSRIs, Benzodiazepines (acute).
• Agoraphobia: Avoidance of public spaces due to panic disorder.

Specific Phobias

• Intense fear of specific object/situation (e.g., fear of snakes, ocean, dark).
• Treatment: Exposure therapy (CBT method).

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Anxiety around interpersonal judgment or rejection.
• Differentiation: From introversion/shyness.
• Treatment: CBT, SSRIs (second-line).

Conclusion

• Understanding anxiety disorders involves recognizing patterns in anxiety symptoms and their impact on life.
• Comparison is crucial for differentiating between disorders to guide treatment effectively.
• Reference material: Memorable Psychiatry book for further study.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety and its disorders, highlighting the key aspects, symptoms, and treatments discussed in the lecture.