Panic disorder
Name one physical symptom commonly experienced during a panic attack
Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea
How many months must symptoms be present to diagnose GAD in adults?
Duration for diagnosis: 6 months
Explanation: Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months for a GAD diagnosis in adults
Differentiate between obsessions and compulsions
Obsessions: recurrent, intrusive, distressing thoughts and urges
Compulsions: repetitive behaviors that provide relief from anxiety caused by obsessions
Name one of the two types of SAD
Social setting type and performance type
This type of therapy involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation
Gradual exposure therapy: Systematic desensitization
Explanation: This involves gradually exposing the person to the feared object or situation
The DSM diagnostic criteria for PD requires >1 panic attack with > 1 month of:
Fear of another attack
Fear of the consequences of attacks
Behavioral changes related to attacks
Name one of the two first-line medications commonly prescribed for GAD.
Common medication types: SSRIs or SNRIs
Explanation: These antidepressants are frequently prescribed for GAD
OCD: ego-dystonic behavior
OCPD: ego-syntonic behavior
This is a hallmark for all phobias
Presence of a specific trigger
True or False: Specific phobias are more common in women than in men.
True
Name an acute management strategy for PD
Breathing exercises
Benzos (risk for addiction)
This cognitive symptom is a hallmark of GAD
Cognitive symptom: Excessive, prolonged, and pervasive worry
Explanation: Persistent and excessive worry is a hallmark of GAD.
This class of medications is typically used as first-line pharmacological treatment for OCD
First-line pharmacological treatment: SSRIs
Explanation: SSRIs are typically the first choice of medication for OCD
Anxiety from parties, dating, or public restrooms corresponds to which type of SAD?
SOcial setting SAD
Agoraphobia is irrational intense fear related to which specific environments
Spatial orientation (open/closed spaces) or other people (public transit, lines, crowds)
What differentiates the onset of a panic attack from general anxiety?
Absence of trigger
Occur suddenly, unlike GAD
Name one of the six somatic symptoms associated with GAD according to DSM-5.
Restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, irritability, difficulty concentrating
What is the typical age of onset for OCD
~20 years old
This is the hallmark prophylactic medication given for SAD
Propranolol
Name one of the five main categories of specific phobias according to DSM-5.
Main category of specific phobias: Animal, natural environment, blood-injection-injury, situational, or other
This gene is commonly affected in panic disorder
5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4): Short allele linked to reduced serotonin reuptake, increasing vulnerability to stress-induced panic.
COMT Val158Met: Met/Met genotype associated with catecholamine excess and heightened amygdala reactivity.
Familial Risk: First-degree relatives have 8x increased risk
This pharmacologic agent is used only in the management of GAD
Buspirone
Name a common comorbidity seen with OCD
Anxiety or mood disorder, tic disorders, personality disorders
Name the difference between social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder
Social anxiety: specific situations
Avoidant personality: enduring pattern that interferes with everyday living; pervasive
This is the most common category of specific phobias
Fear of animals