Anxiety
Question 1: In your own words, describe the pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, signs &
symptoms, and diagnostic tests for anxiety disorders.
o Pathophysiology and Etiology
 During anxiety the mind goes into a state of panic, so the body goes
into fight or flight mode turning on the SNS then it tells the body to
shunt blood flow towards the core of the body to increase the vital
signs.
 The level of anxiety may vary, it may be mild but at other moments of
triggers it may be severe which makes it difficult to do every day
normal activities.
 Anxiety causes people to worry more, stress and handle situations
differently because they aren’t able to relax.
 It also affects them mentally, emotionally, and physically.
 Different type of anxiety disorders includes Generalized anxiety
disorder, Separation anxiety and panic disorder.
o Risk factors
 Stressors
 Childhood adversity – such as witnessing a traumatic event
 Family history
 Experiences
 Serious and chronic illness
 Personality factors
o Signs and symptoms
 Restlessness
 Easily fatigued
 Difficulty concentrating
 Irritability
 Muscle tension
 Sleep disturbances
 Trembling
 Sweating
 Nausea and diarrhea
o Diagnostic tests
 Patients are evaluated at their doctor’s office – the evaluation may
include a DSM-5 screening, family history, medical history, physical
examination.
 There are no diagnostic tests or lab tests to diagnose anxiety.
Question 2: Describe in detail the mental health challenges Beth experienced and the healthy
coping skills she utilized.
-
Originally Beth was excited to go to college and play for the water polo team,
Beth spent time trying to find herself while also trying to make friends, staying
on track with school and her position in the water polo team. It took a
traumatizing event her sophomore year where alcohol was involved and the
crowd, and she ended up going home with a random guy who had assaulted her.
Beth realized she didn’t have anyone to talk to about then she started to have
suicidal ideations. Moreover, her anxiety level started to build up from all the
expectations and it caused her to feel very low and unable to control it playing a
role in her depression. She started seeing a counselor at the university and she
sent her to a psychiatrist.
- That experience allowed Beth to realize she wanted to go into counseling or
mental health psychology to be there for others going through similar situations.
After her experience, Beth tried to be there for the underclassmen students to
help them through their.
Question 3: Identify medication management for anxiety disorders.
- SSRIs
- SNRIs
- MAOIs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta blockers