This cheat sheet covers various anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and related psychological concepts. It provides a concise overview of definitions, symptoms, treatments, and key distinctions in mental health conditions.
| 📌 Topic | 💡 Key Point |
|---|---|
| Anxiety Disorders | Fear is a response to immediate danger; anxiety concerns future threats. |
| PTSD | Symptoms persist longer than one month after trauma. |
| Cognitive Triad | Negative views of self, world, and future contribute to depression. |
🧠 Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive worry and fear. Key disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Definition: Excessive worry about everyday things for 6+ months.
- Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
- Struggle concentrating
- Treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Benzodiazepines (short-term)
Phobias
- Definition: Irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
- Types:
- Specific phobia
- Agoraphobia
- Causes:
- Classical conditioning
- Modeling
- Treatment:
- Exposure therapy
Social Anxiety Disorder
- Definition: Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
- Symptoms:
- Avoidance
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Fear of humiliation
- Treatment:
- CBT
- SSRIs
- Exposure therapy
🧠 Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, affect emotional regulation.
Major Depressive Disorder
- Definition: Depressed mood lasting 2+ weeks.
- Symptoms Categories:
- Emotional (sadness)
- Motivational (loss of interest)
- Behavioral (withdrawal)
- Cognitive (negative thoughts)
- Physical (sleep/appetite change)
- Causes:
- Low serotonin
- Low norepinephrine
- High cortisol
- Treatments:
- CBT
- Antidepressants
- Behavioral activation
Bipolar Disorder
- Definition: Mood swings between depression and mania.
- Mania Symptoms:
- Elevated mood
- Little sleep
- Grandiosity
- Risky behavior
- Racing thoughts
- Treatment:
- Lithium
- Mood stabilizers
- Therapy
📝 Key Takeaways
- Fear and anxiety are distinct yet interconnected emotional responses.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment across anxiety and mood disorders.
- Understanding the Cognitive Triad is crucial in addressing depression.
🚀 Learning Boosters
💡 Key Insight: Anxiety disorders vary widely in symptoms and treatment options.
🌍 Real-World Application: Exposure therapy is effective in treating phobias.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Failing to address underlying cognitive distortions can hinder recovery from depression.