Chapter 18
The client with panic disorder says, "When an attack happens, I feel like I am going to die." Which response should the nurse make? 1. "I know it's frightening, but try to remind yourself that this will only last a short time." 2. "Death from a panic attack happens so infrequently that there is no need to worry." 3. "Most people who experience panic attacks have feelings of impending doom." 4. "Tell me why you think you are going to die every time you have a panic attack."
Answer: 1 Rationale: 1 The most appropriate nursing response to the client's concerns is to empathize with the client and provide encouragement that panic attacks only last a short period. Panic attacks usually last minutes but can, rarely, last hours. 2 This statement provides false reassurance ("no need to worry"), making this a nontherapeutic response. 3 When the nurse states that "Most people who experience panic attacks...," the nurse depersonalizes and belittles the client's feeling, making this a nontherapeutic response. 4 This statement is not therapeutic for the client. The use of "why" should be avoided as it puts the client on the defensive.
The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Which statement would the nurse expect to hear from the client? 1. "I am a perfectionist." 2. "I get obsessive about cleaning my counter tops." 3. "I donate my clothing to charities." 4. "I prefer to have wide walkways in my home."
Answer: 1 Rationale: 1 The nurse would expect the client to say this. Associated symptoms of hoarding disorder include perfectionism, indecisiveness, anxiety, depression, distractibility, and difficulty planning and organizing tasks. 2 These individuals would not be obsessive about cleaning counter tops. Individuals with this disorder collect items until virtually all surfaces within the home are covered. 3 Individuals with this disorder would not donate clothing. Clients with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulties discarding or parting with possessions. 4 Clients with hoarding disorder would not have wide walkways. Individuals with this disorder have only narrow pathways, winding through stacks of clutter, in which to walk.
The nursing instructor is teaching about medications used to treat clients diagnosed with panic disorder. Which student statement indicates teaching has been effective? 1. "Clonazepam (Klonopin) is particularly effective in the treatment of panic disorder." 2. "Clonidine (Catapres) is used off-label in long-term treatment of panic disorder." 3. "Atenolol (Tenormin) can be used in low doses to relieve symptoms of panic attacks." 4. "Buspirone (BuSpar) is used for its immediate effect to lower anxiety during panic attacks."
Answer: 1 Rationale: 1 The student indicates learning has occurred when he or she states that clonazepam is a particularly effective treatment for panic disorder. Clonazepam is a type of benzodiazepine in which the major risk is physical dependence and tolerance, which may encourage abuse. It can be used on an as-needed basis to reduce anxiety and its related symptoms. 2 This statement indicates that teaching has not been effective. Clonidine is effective in blocking the acute anxiety effects in conditions such as opioid and nicotine withdrawal. However, it has had limited usefulness in the long-term treatment of panic and generalized anxiety disorders, particularly because of the development of tolerance to its antianxiety effects. 3 This statement indicates that further teaching is necessary. Atenolol can be used for phobias or performance anxiety or "stage fright," not for panic disorder. 4 This statement does not indicate understanding. Buspirone is effective for generalized anxiety disorder, not panic disorder. Also, buspirone has a 10- to 14-day delay in alleviating symptoms.
The client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. Which client finding should cause a nurse to question this order? 1. History of alcohol use disorder 2. History of personality disorder 3. History of schizophrenia 4. History of hypertension
Answer: 1 Rationale: 1 The nurse should question a prescription of alprazolam for acute anxiety if the client has a history of alcohol use disorder. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety and has an increased risk for physiological dependence and tolerance. A client with a history of substance use disorder may be more likely to abuse other addictive substances. 2 History of personality disorder would not cause the nurse to question the order of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine. 3 History of schizophrenia would not cause the nurse to question the order of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine. 4 History of hypertension would not cause the nurse to question the order of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client about benzodiazepines. Which client statement would indicate a need for further follow-up instructions? 1. "I will need scheduled blood work in order to monitor for toxic levels of this drug." 2. "I won't stop taking this medication abruptly because there could be serious complications." 3. "I will not drink alcohol while taking this medication." 4. "I won't take extra doses of this drug because I can become addicted."
Answer: 1 Rationale: 1 This statement indicates a need for additional information about taking benzodiazepines when stating the need for blood work to monitor for toxic levels. Benzodiazepines do not require blood work. 2 This statement is correct and requires no follow-up. Benzodiazepines should not be stopped abruptly because withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. 3 This statement does not require follow-up instructions. The drug should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol as this potentiates the effects of the benzodiazepine. 4 This statement does not require follow-up instructions. The client should understand that taking extra doses of a benzodiazepine may result in addiction.
An attractive female client with a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) presents with high anxiety levels because of her belief that her facial features are large and grotesque. Which additional symptoms would support this diagnosis? (Select all that apply.) 1. Mirror checking 2. Excessive grooming 3. Stereotypic movement 4. History of delusional thinking 5. Skin picking
Answer: 1, 2, 5 Rationale: 1 The DSM-5 lists preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of BDD. Also listed is that at some point during the course of the disorder, the person has performed repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking. 2 The DSM-5 lists preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of BDD. Also listed is that at some point during the course of the disorder, the person has performed repetitive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. 3 Stereotypic movements are stereotypies found in stereotypic movement disorder, not BDD. 4 History of delusional thinking is not a symptom that support the diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder. These beliefs of body defects/flaws are differentiated from delusions in that the individual with body dysmorphic disorder is aware that his or her beliefs are exaggerated. 5 The DSM-5 lists preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of BDD. Also listed is that at some point during the course of the disorder, the person has performed repetitive behaviors, such as skin picking.
The client has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptoms would the nurse observe upon assessment? (Select all that apply.) 1. Muscle tension 2. Paresthesia 3. Hyperventilation 4. Restlessness 5. Procrastination
Answer: 1, 4, 5 Rationale: 1 The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with GAD would experience muscle tension from the worry and anxiety. 2 The client with GAD would not likely experience paresthesia. Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations) occurs in panic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. 3 The client with GAD would not likely experience hyperventilation. Hyperventilation occurs in panic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. 4 The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with GAD would experience restlessness from the anxiety and worry. 5 The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with GAD would experience procrastination. Anxiety and worry often result in procrastination in behavior or decision-making, and the individual repeatedly seeks reassurance from others.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which activities would the nurse encourage for this client? (Select all that apply.) 1. Recognize the signs of escalating anxiety. 2. Avoid any situation that causes stress. 3. Employ newly learned relaxation techniques. 4. Cognitively reframe thoughts about situations that generate anxiety. 5. Avoid caffeinated products.
Answer: 1,3,4,5 Rationale: 1 Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to recognize signs of escalating anxiety. Recognition of precipitating factor(s) is the first step in teaching the client to interrupt escalation of anxiety. 2 Avoiding situations that causes stress is not an appropriate intervention. The client should be taught effective coping skills. Avoidance does not help the client overcome anxiety and not all situations are easily avoidable. 3 Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to employ relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques result in a physiological response opposite that of the anxiety response. Physical activities discharge excess energy in a healthful manner. 4 Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to cognitively reframe thoughts about anxiety-provoking situations. The belief of cognitive therapy is that with practice, individuals can learn more effective ways of responding to anxiety through cognitive reframing. 5 Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to avoid caffeinated products. Caffeine intoxication can cause excessive anxiety and worry.
The client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization? 1. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours. 2. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast. 3. The client will participate in three unit activities by day three. 4. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day one.
Answer: 2 Rationale: 1 This may not be realistic for the client. It is too early to ask the client to refrain from ritualistic behaviors. 2 An appropriate initial client outcome is for the client to wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast. 3 Participating in three activities on the first day may not be realistic for this client. This goal would be more beneficial later on in the hospitalization. 4 The nurse should plan realistic outcomes for the client. The ritual is a coping mechanism. Substituting a productive activity by day one is too overwhelming for the client trying to adjust to hospitalization.
A son is seeking advice about his mother who seems to worry unnecessarily about everything. The son states, "Should I seek psychiatric help for my mother?" Which is an appropriate nursing response? 1. "My mother also worries unnecessarily. I think it is part of the aging process." 2. "Anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning." 3. "From what you have told me, you should get her to a psychiatrist as soon as possible." 4. "Worry and anxiety are complex phenomena and are effectively treated only with psychotropic medications."
Answer: 2 Rationale: 1 This statement is not therapeutic to the son. The nurse switches the focus off the client and gives wrong information that this is part of the aging process. Worry and anxiety are not part of the aging process. 2 The most appropriate response by the nurse is to explain to the son that anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion and impairs functioning. Anxiety is a normal reaction to a realistic danger or threat to biological integrity or self-concept. 3 This statement is misleading to the son. This is not a crisis in which the psychiatrist should be notified immediately. 4 This statement is inaccurate and misleading. Anxiety can be treated with other types of modalities besides medication.
A nurse questions the charge nurse about an order for fluvoxamine (Luvox) 300 mg daily in two divided doses for a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which charge nurse response is most accurate? 1. "High doses of tricyclic medications will be required for effective treatment of OCD." 2. "High doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), above what is effective for depression, may be required for OCD." 3. "The dose of Luvox is low because of the side effect of daytime drowsiness." 4. "The dose of this SSRI is outside the therapeutic range and needs to be brought to the psychiatrist's attention."
Answer: 2 Rationale: 1 High doses of tricyclic medications are not required for treatment of OCD. Fluvoxamine is an SSRI. 2 The most accurate charge nurse response is that SSRI doses in excess of what is effective for treating depression may be required in the treatment of OCD. SSRIs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of OCD. Fluvoxamine is an SSRI. 3 This is not a low does for fluvoxamine, an SSRI. Common side effects of SSRIs include headache, sleep disturbances, and restlessness, not daytime drowsiness. 4 The dosage of fluvoxamine is not outside the therapeutic range for the effective treatment of OCD.
The nurse is preparing a presentation about the onset of symptoms for agoraphobia. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching session? 1. Occurs in early adolescence and persists until midlife 2. Occurs in the 20s and 30s and persists for many years 3. Occurs in the 40s and 50s and persists until death 4. Occurs after the age of 60 and persists for at least 6 years
Answer: 2 Rationale: 1 This information should not be included in the teaching session. Agoraphobia does not occur in early adolescence. 2 This information should be included in the teaching session. The onset of the symptoms of agoraphobia most commonly occurs in the 20s and 30s and persists for many years. 3 This information is misleading and should not be included in the teaching session. The onset of symptoms does not occur in the 40s and 50s. 4 This information is inaccurate and should not be included. The onset of agoraphobia occurs earlier than age 60 and can persist for many years.
The nurse is teaching the staff about specific phobias. Which statement from a staff member indicates teaching has been effective? 1.) "These clients recognize their fear as excessive and frequently seek treatment." 2.) "These clients have a panic level of fear that is overwhelming and unreasonable." 3.) "These clients experience symptoms that mirror a cerebrovascular accident." 4.) "These clients exhibit symptoms of tachycardia, dysphagia, and diaphoresis."
Answer: 2 Rationale: 1.) This statement does not indicate understanding. Individuals seldom seek treatment unless the phobia interferes with ability to function. 2.) This statement indicates successful teaching. Individuals with specific phobias have a panic level of fear that is overwhelming and unreasonable. Phobia is fear cued by a specific object or situation in which exposure to the stimuli produces an immediate anxiety response. 3.) This statement does not indicate understanding. Specific phobias mirror a panic attack or heart attack, not a cerebrovascular accident. 4.) This statement does not indicate successful teaching. The individual with a specific phobia experiences tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, not dysphagia.
The nurse is discussing treatment options with a client who has arachnophobia. Which commonly used behavioral therapies for phobias should the nurse explain to the client? (Select all that apply.) 1. Benzodiazepine therapy 2. Systematic desensitization 3. Imploding (flooding) 4. Competing response training 5. Habit reversal training
Answer: 2,3 Rationale: 1 Benzodiazepine therapy would not be an appropriate treatment option for the client. Specific phobias are generally not treated with medication unless panic attacks accompany the phobia. 2 The nurse should explain to the client that systematic desensitization is one of the most common behavioral therapies used for treating phobias. Systematic desensitization involves the gradual, progressive exposure of the client to anxiety-provoking stimuli related to the feared object. 3 The nurse should explain to the client that imploding is one of the most common behavioral therapies used for treating phobias. Imploding is the intervention used in which the client is exposed to extremely frightening stimuli for prolonged periods of time. 4 Competing response training would not be an appropriate treatment option for the client with a specific phobia. Competing response training is used in trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder). 5 Habit reversal training would not be an appropriate treatment option for the client who has a specific phobia. Habit reversal training is a treatment modality for hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania).
Which information would a nurse include in client teaching about social anxiety disorder? 1.) Obsessions are the underlying reason for clients to avoid social situations. 2.) These people avoid social interactions because of a perceived physical flaw. 3.) Individuals with social anxiety disorder avoid performing in front of others. 4.) People with this disorder avoid social gatherings because of fear of separation.
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 Clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, not social anxiety disorder, have anxiety related to obsessions. 2 Clients with body dysmorphic disorder, not social anxiety disorder, are distressed by perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance. 3 Clients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder have a marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. Examples include social interactions (e.g., having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people), being observed (e.g., eating or drinking), and performing in front of others (e.g., giving a speech). 4 Clients with separation anxiety disorder, not social anxiety disorder, have anxiety due to fear of separation.
The college student has severe test anxiety. Instead of studying for finals, the student relieves stress by attending a movie. Which priority nursing diagnosis should the campus nurse assign for this student? 1. Non-adherence R/T test taking 2. Ineffective role performance R/T helplessness 3. Ineffective coping R/T anxiety 4. Powerlessness R/T fear
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 Non-adherence R/T test taking does not accurately capture what the student is experiencing. The client has severe test anxiety. 2 Ineffective role performance R/T helplessness does not accurately capture what the student is experiencing. The student is not helpless. The student chose to relieve stress by attending a movie. 3 The priority nursing diagnosis for this student is ineffective coping R/T anxiety. The nurse should assist in implementing interventions that will improve the student's healthy coping skills and reduce anxiety. 4 Powerlessness R/T fear does not accurately capture what the student is experiencing. The student has severe test anxiety and is not powerless. The student chose to relieve stress by attending a movie.
The client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention would meet this client's physiological need? 1. Teach deep breathing relaxation exercises. 2. Place the client in a brightly lit room. 3. Have the client breathe into a paper bag. 4. Administer the ordered prn buspirone (BuSpar).
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 Relaxations exercises would not replace needed carbon dioxide in the blood. In a severe panic attack, teaching is ineffective. This would be an appropriate intervention after the panic attack has subsided. 2 Placing the client in a brightly lit room would not be an effective measure. Immediate surroundings should be low in stimuli (dim lighting, few people, simple décor). 3 The nurse can meet this client's physiological need by having the client breathe into a paper bag. Hyperventilation may occur during periods of extreme anxiety. Hyperventilation causes the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood to decrease, possibly resulting in lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and syncope. If hyperventilation occurs, assist the client to breathe into a small paper bag held over the mouth and nose. Six to 12 natural breaths should be taken, alternating with short periods of diaphragmatic breathing. 4 BuSpar is not a fast acting antianxiety medication (10- to 14-day lag time), and, therefore, would not help the client's anxiety.
During her uncle's wake, a 5-year-old girl runs up to the casket before her mother can stop her. An appointment is made with a nurse practitioner when the child starts twisting and pulling out her hair, resulting in hair loss. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign to this child? 1. Fear 2. Altered family processes 3. Ineffective impulse control 4. Disturbed body image
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 The child is not suffering from fear but from anxiety. Fear is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for phobic disorder. The child's behavior is not directed toward avoidance of a feared object or situation. She is pulling out her hair. 2 The child is not suffering from altered family process. She is pulling out her hair from viewing her deceased uncle. 3 The child is suffering from trichotillomania, which leads to ineffective impulse control. This child is coping with the anxiety generated by viewing her deceased uncle by pulling out her hair. 4 The client is not suffering from disturbed body image. Disturbed body image occurs in body dysmorphic disorder. The girl is pulling out her hair (trichotillomania).
The client living in a riverfront community is seeking help with an extreme fear of bridges, which is interfering with daily functioning. The psychiatric nurse practitioner decides to try systematic desensitization. Which best explanation of this treatment should the nurse provide? 1. "Using your imagination, we will attempt to achieve a state of relaxation." 2. "Because anxiety and relaxation are mutually exclusive states, we can attempt to substitute a relaxation response for the anxiety response." 3. "Through a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps, we will gradually increase your tolerance to anxiety while in a relaxed state." 4. "In one intense session, you will be exposed to a maximum level of anxiety that you will learn to tolerate."
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 While the client can use mental imagery during this process, there is more to systemic desensitization than achieving a state of relaxation. 2 While relaxation is antagonistic to anxiety, this is a limited explanation for systemic desensitization. This explanation is more accurate for reciprocal inhibition. 3 The nurse should explain to the client that when participating in systematic desensitization, he or she will go through a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps that will gradually increase tolerance while in a relaxed state. Systematic desensitization was introduced by Joseph Wolpe in 1958 and is based on behavioral conditioning principles. 4 Systematic desensitization does not occur in only one session. Systematic desensitization occurs in several sessions in progressive steps.
Which medication treatment should the nurse administer to clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? 1.) Long-term treatment with diazepam (Valium) 2.) Acute symptom control with propranolol (Inderal) 3.) Long-term treatment with buspirone (BuSpar) 4.) Acute symptom control with ziprasidone (Geodon)
Answer: 3 Rationale: 1 Long-term treatment with diazepam (Valium) is not appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, which can lead to physical dependency. Benzodiazepines are not first-line treatment. Antidepressants are first-line treatment choices. 2 Acute symptom control with propranolol (Inderal) is not appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Propranolol appears to be most effective in the treatment of acute situational anxiety (e.g., performance anxiety, test anxiety). 3 The nurse should identify that an appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with GAD is long-term treatment with buspirone. Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication that is effective in 60% to 80% of clients diagnosed with GAD. Buspirone takes 10 to 14 days for alleviation of symptoms but does not have the dependency concerns of other anxiolytics. 4 Acute symptom control with ziprasidone (Geodon) is not appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic.
The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with anxiety about treatment options. Which statement by the client indicates effective teaching? 1. "There is nothing that I can do to that will reduce anxiety." 2. "Medication is available, but only for those who have had anxiety for a year or more." 3. "If I ignore the symptoms of anxiety, it will go away." 4. "Practicing yoga or meditation may help reduce my anxiety."
Answer: 4 Rationale: 1 This statement does not indicate effective teaching. There are many actions that the client can take to reduce anxiety. 2 This is an inaccurate statement and does not indicate effective teaching. Medication is available for the treatment of anxiety, regardless of time that the client has been diagnosed. 3 This statement does not reflect effective teaching. Ignoring the symptoms of anxiety does not make it go away. 4 This statement indicates effective teaching. Practicing yoga or meditation may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. These are examples of stress management.
A cab driver, stuck in traffic, becomes lightheaded, tremulous, diaphoretic, tachycardic, and dyspneic. A work-up in an emergency department reveals no pathology. Which nursing diagnosis should be the nurse's first priority? 1. Fear 2. Powerlessness 3. Altered role performance 4. Anxiety
Answer: 4 Rationale: 1 A nursing diagnosis of fear does not capture the client's symptoms, nor is it the priority. 2 A nursing diagnosis of powerlessness does not accurately describe the client's symptoms, nor is it the priority. 3 While a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance could describe the client's situation, it is not the priority. 4 The nurse should suspect that the client has exhibited signs and symptoms of a panic disorder. The priority nursing diagnosis should be anxiety. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, sudden-onset panic attacks in which the person feels intense fear, apprehension, or terror.
The client is newly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and spends 50 minutes folding clothes and rearranging them in drawers. Which nursing action would best address this client's problem? 1. Distract the client with other activities whenever ritual behaviors begin. 2. Report the behavior to the psychiatrist to obtain an order for medication dosage increase. 3. Lock the room to discourage ritualistic behavior. 4. Discuss the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behaviors.
Answer: 4 Rationale: 1 Attempting to distract the client is not an appropriate intervention, because it does not help the client gain insight. 2 Seeking medication increase is not an appropriate intervention, because it does not help the client gain insight. 3 Locking the client's room is not an appropriate intervention, because it does not help the client gain insight. 4 The nurse should discuss with the client the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behavior. If the client is going to be able to control interrupting anxiety, he or she must first learn to recognize precipitating factors.
Which guideline should the nurse use to help differentiate a client diagnosed with panic disorder from a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? 1.) GAD is acute in nature, and panic disorder is chronic. 2.) Chest pain is a common GAD symptom, whereas this symptom is absent in panic disorders. 3.) Depression is a common symptom in GAD and rare in panic disorder. 4.) Depersonalization is absent in GAD but is commonly seen in panic disorder.
Answer: 4 Rationale: 1 Generalized anxiety disorder is chronic in nature, not acute. 2 Clients do not often experience chest pain with GAD but do with panic disorders. 3 Depression occurs with both GAD and panic disorder. 4 The nurse should recognize that a client diagnosed with panic disorder experiences depersonalization, whereas a client diagnosed with GAD would not. Depersonalization refers to being detached from oneself when experiencing extreme anxiety.
____________________ are intrusive thoughts that are recurrent and stressful, and even though these thoughts are recognized by the individual as irrational, they continue to be repetitive and cannot be ignored.
Obsessions Feedback: Obsessions are intrusive thoughts that are recurrent and stressful. Although they (obsessions) are recognized by the individual as irrational, the obsessions continue to be repetitive and cannot be ignored.
Antianxiety drugs are also called ____________________ and minor tranquilizers.
anxiolytics Feedback: Antianxiety drugs are also called anxiolytics and historically were referred to as minor tranquilizers. Antianxiety agents are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms, acute alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasms, convulsive disorders, status epilepticus, and preoperative sedation.