Being able to differentiate between typical and developmentally appropriate anxiety and clinical anxiety disorders in youth and adults can be challenging. There is a mix of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the presentations of anxiety disorders. During the developmental periods of childhood and adolescence, a variety of naturally occurring episodes of anxiety can be advantageous (e.g., a healthy amount of anxiety about a test can encourage studying) or developmentally appropriate (e.g., being afraid of the dark). Anxiety disorders are currently the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis in the United States. Approximately 18% of adults (40 million) have an anxiety disorder and 8% of youth find it difficult to function in school and home settings with symptoms of anxiety (The National Alliance for Mental Illness, NAMI). Anxiety symptoms usually present prior to the age of 21 years and women are more than half as likely to endorse symptoms of anxiety than men. There are several treatment options for those suffering with anxiety: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, as well as relaxation strategies.
After reading “Anxiety Disorders,” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.
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1
According to the NAMI article which of the following is an emotional symptom of anxiety?
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2
According to the article, which of the following diagnoses best applies to chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday life?
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3
Which of the following is NOT a goal or aim of exposure response prevention as indicated by cognitive behavioral therapy?
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Which of the following is NOT a goal or aim of exposure response prevention as indicated by cognitive behavioral therapy??
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4
What anxiety disorders would benefit most from pharmacological treatment with antidepressants?
Answers will vary. One possibility: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are likely to benefit from antidepressants for some. Individuals may be struggling with a mixture of both depressive and anxiety symptoms and antidepressants target neurotransmitters that would assist in the reduction of both symptoms.
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5
What are common symptoms of a panic attack?
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, and stomach pains.
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6
How can an individual help themselves be successful in treatment for an anxiety disorder?
Answers will vary. One possibility: Individuals suffering from anxiety will benefit from learning all they can about treatment options and side effects, identifying their own triggers and stressors, communicating with their healthcare providers, eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining exercise, as well as avoiding drugs and alcohols that may influence their mood.
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