ANXIETY VS. FEAR

(anxiety)

* Emotional response

*related to future/anticipated event

*source may not be identifiable

*Results from psychological conflict

ANXIETY VS. FEAR

(fear)

* Cognitive response

*Related to present event.

*Source easily identifiable

*Results from a physical or psychological event

Relationship between Stress and Anxiety

* Emotional arousal triggers the symapthetic nervous system

*message reaches the pituitary gland and adrenal gland which results in hormones released into bloodstream.

*Results in raised pusle, blood pressure, and respirations, lower digestive system, readyijng body for "fright/flight"

Anxiety

*Anxiety in response to stress is inevitable in everyday life.

*How individuals cope with anxiety and stress is important in understanding how well individuals are functioning in their personal social, and occupational roles.

* Emotions tha descirbe the feeling of anxiety are uneasiness, worry, restlessness,concern, fearfulness,sense of impending doom,dread.

Anxiety

(cont'd)

* The stressor that precipitates anxiety is whatever individual perceives as a danger, a loss or a threat to his safety and security

*Background, needs desire, self-concept, resources, knowledge,skills, perosnality traits, and maturity affect the way stress is seen.

Factors associated with High Anxiety

* increased environment stress

*ineffective coping behaviours

* Biolgoic conditions such as alterations in levels of neurotransmitters, endorphins, and brain receptors.

* Nursing interventions indicated when anxiety results in raised bodily symptoms, acting our behaviour, or perosn moves away from others.

Sources of Anxiety

*perceived threat to the following:

a. health functioning

b. self-esteem or self respect

c. self-control

d. control over one's life

Sources of Anxiety

(cont'd)

d. status or prestige

e. resources

f. loved ones

g. independence, needs, goals, expectations

Anxiety Continium

* Conceptualized on a continuum from absent, mild, moderate, high to severe

*Well-being: minimal anxiety, happy,comfortable, relaxed, optimal healing takes place. Allow pt. to problem solve.

*ataraxy:the absence of anxiety is uncommon.  Seen in people who are drowsy, even stuporous, or taking tranqulizers. 

mild anxiety

* person is alert, attention heightened, holds eye contact,perceptual field open, uses logical reasoning and problem solving.

*Sees, hears,, grasps information, relative comfort, slight fidgeting, some muscle tension

*nursing interventions

Moderate anxiety

Severe Anxiety

* harsh, very uncomfortable, perceptual field very narrowed, difficulty focusing even with assistance, extreme muscle tension, poor eye contact, tense, hyperventilation, somatic symptoms, dizziness,nausea.

*Nursing interventions: lower stimuli, anxiety, pressure: use kind firm simple directions

panic level of anxiety

Coping mechanisms

* Crying, laughing,sleeping,cursing

* physical activity, exercise

*smoking, drinking

*lack of eye conact, withdrawal

*limiting relationships to those with simialr values and interests

Task-Oriented Reactions to stress

* attack behaviour

*withdrawal behaviour

*compromise behaviour

Adaptation to acute and cnronic illness

* general tasks- maintaning slef esteem and personal relationships

*illness=related tasks- handling pain and disability

Effects of Long-term stress

* affects physical status

increases risk for disease or injury

*compromises recovery and return to normal function

* is associated with specific diseases