Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used in treating which of the following anxiety disorders?

1. Social phobia

2. Panic Disorder

3. General Anxiety Disorder

4. Stress-related anxiety

The correct answer is: Panic Disorder

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are often utilized in the treatment of panic disorder due to their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with this condition. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. TCAs, particularly amitriptyline and imipramine, have shown efficacy in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, making them a valuable treatment option alongside other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. The mechanism through which TCAs exert their effects involves increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, notably norepinephrine and serotonin, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and anxiety control. This enhancement of neurotransmitter activity can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety levels, making TCAs a suitable choice for individuals suffering from panic disorder. While TCAs may also have some effectiveness in other anxiety disorders, such as social phobia and general anxiety disorder, their primary application in anxiety treatment has been most pronounced in panic disorder, which is why it is the correct answer in this context.