Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety.
What our notes say
- Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety. (Classification of Mental Disorders)
- | Worry | Prolonged, uncontrollable concern about potential future problems; core feature of generalized anxiety disorder. | (Dictionary of Psychopathology)
- Anxiety disorders, PTSD, delirium, agitation, agitated depression (Bipolar and Related Disorders)
- Topics tested: hypothyroidism, thyroid surgery and anatomy, infertility work-up and treatment, IVF, premature rupture of membranes, neonatal sepsis, childhood anxiety disorders. (Integrated case paper: Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatrics (160 marks)
- Not better explained by another disorder (for example autism or generalised anxiety disorder). (Integrated case paper: Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatrics (160 marks)
- Treat coexisting ADHD, mood/anxiety disorders, trauma-related problems or substance use when present. (Neurodevelopmental Disorders II: ADHD and Disruptive Behaviour)
Study material on Anxiety Disorders
- Integrated case paper: Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatrics (160 marks)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 24, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 17, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 10, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Anxiety Disorders
A patient with anxiety disorder hyperventilates during a panic attack. What immediate acid-base change occurs?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: D. ** Hyperventilation during anxiety causes excessive elimination of CO2, leading to respiratory alkalosis characterized by decreased PaCO2 and increased pH. ---
What neurotransmitter is associated with anxiety disorders?
- GABA
- Dopamine
- Glutamate
- Acetylcholine
- Serotonin
Answer: A. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Low GABA activity is associated with increased anxiety, as GABA normally helps calm neural activity. Many anti-anxiety medications work by enhancing GABA function. --- ---
Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?
- Glutamate
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Acetylcholine
- Norepinephrine
Answer: B. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS; reduced GABAergic activity and impaired GABA signaling are strongly linked to anxiety disorders, making it a target for anxiolytic medications.
What neurotransmitter is associated with anxiety disorders?
- Norepinephrine
- GABA
- Glutamate
- Acetylcholine
Answer: B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Reduced GABAergic activity is linked to increased neuronal excitability and is implicated in anxiety disorders.
Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?
- Norepinephrine
- GABA
- Glutamate
- Acetylcholine
Answer: B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Reduced GABAergic activity is linked to increased neuronal excitability and is implicated in anxiety disorders.
What neurotransmitter is associated with anxiety disorders?
- Norepinephrine
- Serotonin
- GABA
- Glutamate
Answer: C. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Reduced GABAergic activity is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.