Anxiety Case Studies

Tina meets the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder with agoraphobia. I believe this is the appropriate diagnosis because her symptoms meet the criteria in the DSM-IV.

A displayed feelings of apprehension and became less co-operative during the initial clinical interview. She additionally displayed thoughts of inadequacy . She moved back to her parent’s house when she began getting panic attacks and was housebound through fear of inducing a panic attack. As a result of this, she became overly reliant and attached to her parents, who provided emotional, financial, and decision making support.

1. Client demonstrates excessive and sometimes unrealistic worry that has been occurring more days than not for past seven months. Client has been affected by physical issues due to anxiety; such as, nausea, diarrhea, lack of sleep and trouble falling asleep, excessive crying, discourse at home, and hypervigilance.

The eminent psychiatrist, Dr. Paul Hoch, in his classic treatise on differential diagnoses in the field of psychiatry made the observation that symptoms of anxiety and depression were components of every major psychiatric disorder (Hoch, 1972). People without psychiatric disorders also experience episodes of anxiety which is typically defined as a diffuse, unpleasant, and sometimes vague sense of apprehension; however, anxiety disorders, psychological disorders whose main component is anxiety and lead to significant disruptions in a person's everyday functioning, are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in the world (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). Moreover, there is abundant empirical evidence that anxiety disorders when left untreated may increase the risk of cardiovascular-related disorders and other health concerns (APA, 2000). Therefore it is important to be able to distinguish the proper anxiety disorder diagnosis and initiate treatment. One of the most disabling of all the anxiety disorders is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Apart from these two main diagnosis’, Mrs. Reed appears relatively healthy. Unless she can incorporate more sleep and lower her stress levels, further cognitive deficits will most likely appear. Caffeine should be excluded from her diet, as caffeine may increase her anxiety. Furthermore, Mrs. Reed should focus on developing better sleep hygiene. She should work on a nightmare protocol with her psychologist to decrease nightmares, avoid eating or exercising within several hours of bedtime, and leave all electronic devices outside of the bedroom. It may also be beneficial to incorporate some light stretching, yoga, or meditation before bed. By decreasing her sleep deficit, Mrs. Reed’s cognitive function will likely increase, especially in regards to concentration and memory. It may also be beneficial to prioritize her work daily, in order to ensure completion of the most necessary tasks. Furthermore, it is imperative to monitor her cardiac functioning as she has a high family history of cardiovascular disease, and stress only exacerbates this condition more. A cardiologist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist should be met with on a regular basis to monitor her condition and watch for any further decline. Given her relatively high levels of anxiety, Mrs. Reed may benefit from daily meditation and continuous exercise. This evaluation can serve as a baseline for her neuropsychological functioning, but further monitoring is recommended.

When you get an anxiety or panic attack, life is not normal anymore. Finding the best cure for the anxiety or panic attacks is on top priority of all the patients suffering from anxiety or panic attacks. The first source of information for most patients is got from their family and friends. If the patients don't get any substantial information from their family and friends, then they turn toward doctors or other medical professionals. Many people don't like to go to the doctor for various reasons.

Irritability and sleep disturbances f. Clinical distresses in her day-to-day work activities, social problems in relationships and other essential areas of functioning. 4. We recommend medical (pharmaceutical) and individual psychotherapy treatments including cognitive techniques such as deep breathing exercises, and simple relaxation skills. She will learn skills to replace adaptive and calming thoughts for her intrusive and over worrying thoughts and to avoid her unrealistic tendencies to think the worse. There would be self-care options combined with antidepressant treatments prescribed by her medical doctor.

01/14/16 Psychotherapy session note indicated that the patient has reported increased improvement in mood and stability in anxiety. She continues to feel anxious about not having a job. She has applied to additional jobs and hopes that one of them will work out for her. She is attempting to stay positive and is looking forward to spend time with her family. Reviewed coping skills for anxiety and worry about future. There is provided support and empathy. Reviewed self-care strategies to decrease depression. A psychiatrist, who continued her on an anti-depressant, saw her. Plan: continue to review coping skills for depression and stress management.

The basis and length of Ms. Hendricks symptoms of worry, and feeling overwhelmed is closely related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent disorder characterized by excessive worry or anxiety about everyday events, whether they are internal or external or originating in the past, present, and/or future (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder result from increase, typical, inflexible interactions of cognitive, imaginal, and physiological responses that constantly perceived to be a threat (Barlow, 1988; Borkovec & Inz, 1990). The lifetime prevalence rate of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the United States is estimated to be approximately 4–7% with current prevalence rates ranging from 1.5–3% (Blazer et al. 1991). These rates could be as high as 5–8%, if the International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems (ICD-10) are used as the basis for diagnosis (Ustun and Sartorius ,1995).

Patient will understand causes of anxiety and will cope with current medical situations without demonstrating severe signs of anxiety within 48

Together, these contextual factors have intensified the patient's anxiety. Consequently, this intensifying of anxiety has caused an increase in the patient's irregular behavior used to alleviate his concerns. The patient, himself, has admitted that he knows his thoughts are “silly” and that those thoughts stem from his own mind. He also admits that he cannot control these thoughts that come about randomly.

Many patients’ who present stressed and anxious often have a fast respiratory rate and often after a while their breathing becomes compromised. By guiding the patient through a deep breathing exercise there can present a better outcome. Deep breathing can soothe and ease anxiety along with pain and stress. It can also help to deviate the patients’ mind to different, less stressful thoughts and times (Selimen, 2011). One of the many reaction’s the body has to stress and anxiety is muscle tension. Tension can lead to aches and pains in the muscles and can lead to more problems that can be prevented. Muscle relaxation is easy to learn and can be particularly helpful in cases when an anxious patient needs to release some tension or stress (Selimen, 2011). These techniques can help a patient to relieve anxiety and guide them on the road to health and

Smith is struggling with anxiety that had significantly impacted her social and occupational functioning. She also reported multiple symptoms including feeling fatigued, having difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbance which started over 6 months ago, which are all indicative of 300.02 (F41.1) Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Additionally, somatic symptoms such as Mrs. Smith’s headaches, stomachaches, and chest pain, can be caused from anxiety. Mrs. Smith also had symptoms that were aligned with 309.28 (F43.23) Adjustment Disorder, with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, due to her new job. She changed jobs over three months ago, and had significant impairment in her social and occupational functioning, with anxiety and depression being key symptoms. In my clinical opinion, both diagnoses are fitting and appropriate for Mrs. Jane Smith.

Hannah, a 25 year old Caucasian female, presented as alert, tense, and oriented 3x. Hannah is well groomed and appropriately dressed. Her affect was blunted flat. While client was cooperative, she presented as guarded, which may be due to her anxiety. She was calm, but displays signs of anxiety by posture, shuffling hands, lip biting, and eye movement.

2. The psychologist diagnosed the patient with anxiety. The treatment that the psychologist will suggest could be either psychodynamic, humanistic therapy, or drug therapy Antidepressants, Antianxiety drugs (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Valium, Xanax)