Psychotherapy: 115b - Anxiety Disorders
This flashcard set outlines diagnostic criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—requiring time-consuming obsessions or compulsions with insight—as well as the neuroanatomy of fear and anxiety, involving the amygdala, hippocampus, and related systems. It also notes that specific phobias often present in childhood or early adulthood, with earlier onset linked to higher remission rates.
What is required to diagnose OCD?
Presence of either obsessions or compulsions (or both)
Individual has realized that the obsessions and/or compulsions are unreasonable (has insight)
Symptoms are time consuming
Key Terms
What is required to diagnose OCD?
Presence of either obsessions or compulsions (or both)
Individual has realized that the obsessions and/or c...
Which parts of the brain are important for regulating fear and anxiety states?
Amygdala
Also hippocampus, locus coeruleus, hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenocortical axis
When does specific phobia usually present?
Bimodal onset: Childhood or early adulthood
Early onset cases are more likely to remit
Which medications can be used to manage panic disorder?
SSRIs
Benzos (2nd line, should not be used long-term)
May serve a a bridge since SSRIs take awhile to star...
Which parts of the DSM-5 criteria are similar for all anxiety disorders?
Symptoms must be:
Persistent
Out of proportion to the threat/danger
Cause clinically significant distre...
Which areas of the brain have increased activity in patients with OCD?
Cingulate
Caudate
Prefrontal cortex
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is required to diagnose OCD? |
|
Which parts of the brain are important for regulating fear and anxiety states? | Amygdala Also hippocampus, locus coeruleus, hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenocortical axis |
When does specific phobia usually present? | Bimodal onset: Childhood or early adulthood Early onset cases are more likely to remit |
Which medications can be used to manage panic disorder? |
|
Which parts of the DSM-5 criteria are similar for all anxiety disorders? | Symptoms must be:
|
Which areas of the brain have increased activity in patients with OCD? |
|
“Chronic daily worry” is a symptom of which anxiety disorder? | Generalized anxiety disorder |
Which anxiety disorder is most likley to benefit from surgical intervention if medical management is unsuccessful? | OCD We understand more about the neural circuitry: OCD results from overactive cingulate, caudate, and prefrontal cortex |
Which neurotransmitters have a role in anxiety? |
|
What is the most common obsession found in OCD? | Uncleanliness obsessions |
In general, what is the prognosis for anxiety disorders? | Chronic illness, but many improve with treatment
Varies with specific disorder, setting of treatment |
What physical causes are on the ddx for panic attack? |
The point is: evaluate all possible causes so you don’t miss something! |
When does panic disorder usually onset? | Adolescence - 30’s (later than other anxiety disorders) |
What is necessary to diagnose a panic disorder? |
Not everyone who has had a panic attack has a panic disorder! |
Which treatments are most helpful for OCD? |
|