ANXIETY DISORDERS
Kate Pfeiffer, MS, APRN, PMHCNSBC, PMHNP-BC
Spring 2020
ANXIETY DISORDERS OBJECTIVES
Anxiety (CH 25):
1. Differentiate normal anxiety responses from an anxiety
disorder.
2. Identify indicators an
...
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Kate Pfeiffer, MS, APRN, PMHCNSBC, PMHNP-BC
Spring 2020
ANXIETY DISORDERS OBJECTIVES
Anxiety (CH 25):
1. Differentiate normal anxiety responses from an anxiety
disorder.
2. Identify indicators and nursing interventions for four different
levels of anxiety.
3. Describe the common anxiety disorders and the appropriate
treatment including nursing interventions and
psychopharmacological interventions.
ANXIETY RESPONSE
NORMAL vs.
• Survival
• Motivating
ABNORMAL
• Excessive and out
of proportion for
the situation
ANXIETY
• An uncomfortable feeling of apprehension or dread
that occurs in response to internal or external stimuli.
• Can cause physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral
symptoms (see box 25.1)
• Can be positive motivation
• Can be paralyzing inaction
L E V E L S OF A N X I ET Y
Mild Moderat
e
Severe Panic
Effect on attention
Perceptual fields
(PF)
PF widens
slightly
Learning
enhanced
Motivating –
can use to
promote
learning
PF
narrows
slightly
Selective
inattentio
n – can be
redirected
PF significantly
reducedinattention -
cannot be
redirected (some
dissociation)
PF reduced to detail,
massive dissociation,
perceived as survival
threat, no learning
possible
Observable
Behavior
Aware, alert
heightened
senses
Decrease
d ability
to see,
hear,
understan
d
Will
verbalize
Significant
reduction in ability
to see, hear,
understand,
unaware of &
unable to
verbalize anxiety,
use of relief
“I’m falling apart”
perplexed, self
absorbed, flight of
ideas, confusion,
automatic use of
relief behaviors - run,
pace, ? aggression
AN X I ET Y D I SO RD E R S
Disorders Description
Separation Anxiety disorder Anxious re: separation from attachment
figures
[Show More]