5.12 Anxiety Related Disorders

Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam

• Anxiety is a normal response to threats or stressors in the environment
• Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety causes significant distress or impairment in functioning
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life for at least 6 months, accompanied by physical symptoms
• Treatment for GAD typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Panic Disorder is diagnosed in individuals who experience spontaneous panic attacks and fear future attacks
• Panic attacks are acute episodes of intense anxiety and physical symptoms
• Treatment for Panic Disorder involves CBT and SSRIs, with SSRIs being the first-line medication
• Agoraphobia is the fear of being in public places where escape may be difficult and often follows a traumatic event
• CBT and SSRIs are the recommended treatment for Agoraphobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) involves fear of scrutiny or embarrassment in social situations
• Public speaking can be a significant trigger for individuals with social anxiety disorder
• Beta blockers can be used to treat social anxiety disorder by reducing physical symptoms
• Treatment for social anxiety disorder usually involves CBT, SSRIs, or beta blockers.