GAD/SAD
PTSD
Panic/OCD
Side Effects
Fun Facts
100
T/F: These are characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): excessive/uncontrollable worrying, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, insomnia.
True
100
Medications are the first choice option in treating PTSD.
False. Trauma-focused psychotherapy is recommended first. Then SSRIs and SNRIs can be suggested if psychotherapy is not enough.
100
What do the words "obsession" and "compulsion" mean?
Obsession: Persistent, reoccurring thoughts or urges.
Compulsion: Repetitive behavior or mental act a person feels driven to perform to relieve obsession and distress caused by obsession.
100
What is one way to manage weight fluctuations because of anxiety medications?
Maintain a balanced diet.
100
Humans have fingerprints, what do dogs have?
Nose prints! No dog has the same nose print.
200
Significant anxiety about or avoiding a social situation when there is no actual threat is a characteristic of what anxiety disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder
200
What are the symptom clusters (4) of PTSD?
200
How long do antidepressants take to work in panic disorder?
It takes ~3-4 weeks for antidepressants to start working in panic disorder.
200
How can you manage the risk of dependence/abuse of benzodiazepines?
Take medication as prescribed and talk to your doctor/pharmacist about any concerns you may have.
200
Which state is the only state that has a one-syllable name?
Maine
300
How long can you expect to be on a medication for GAD or SAD?
At least 1 year after symptoms resolve
300
How long do antidepressants take to work in patients with PTSD?
Antidepressants may take 4-12 weeks to start working.
300
How long do antidepressants take to work for OCD?
8-12 weeks (longest compared to other anxiety disorders).
300
What is one side effect all anxiety medications have the potential to cause?
Withdrawal - do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.
Worsen anxiety/change in mood - talk to your doctor ASAP.
Nausea - take medication with food, nausea may go away as your body gets used to new medication.
300
How many seats are in the White House's movie theater?
42
400
When do antidepressants start working for GAD?
4-12 weeks
If at least partial response has occurred after a 4 - 6 week trial, titrate pharmacotherapy to a maximal tolerated dose and reevaluate response at 12 weeks.
400
What medications can be used for nightmares caused by PTSD?
Prazosin (Minipress) or clonidine
400
How long does it take for benzodiazepines to start working?
30-60 minutes.
*Remember benzodiazepines should only be used short-term 2-3 weeks*
400
What can you do to manage the potential side effect of dizziness?
Stay hydrated, helps keep your blood pressure from going too low, which may be the cause of dizziness.
Take medications at night before laying down for bed.
Tell your doctor, they may lower the dose of your medication.
400
T/F: A blue whale's tongue weighs as much as an elephant.
True! The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, has a tongue that can weigh as much as an adult elephant - between 4,000 and 8,000 lbs.
500
When do antidepressants start working for SAD?
6-8 weeks (longer than GAD).
500
Which medication class is NOT useful in PTSD? (Hint: Think about what medications are not listed as a treatment option.)
Benzodiazepines, they have not been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
500
How is a panic attack different than a panic disorder?
A panic attack is a single event/physiologic response to intense fear. Panic disorder is the overarching classification of multiple panic attacks or fear of multiple panic attacks.
500
Which anxiety medication is generally least likely to cause side effects?
Buspar (buspirone)
500
Which office supply (staples, paper clips, rubber bands, paper, scissors, pen, pencil, etc.) lasts longer in the fridge?
Rubbers bands. The cooler temperature relaxes the polymers that make up rubber bands and makes them last longer.