Generalized Anxiety Disorder Case Studies

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friend problems, relationship problems or work difficulties.[1] They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, bouts of difficulty breathing, trembling, twitching, irritability,

People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder find themselves worrying about everyday matters to a degree far beyond what is rational. Anxiety like this can really interfere with a person's life, as one worry replaces

The case of Natalie Jones is a classic case of generalized anxiety disorder as she demonstrates symptoms like apprehension, irritability and violence. Natalia spent a rough childhood and saw her parents go through many marriage problems as well. Due to her husband's drinking problem, Natalie's is also experiencing similar issues. It is possible that the problems once saw her parents go through has set a dire precedent before her. The precedent therefore subconsciously affects Natalie and adds on to her worry. Due to

Most drugs used to treat anxiety are called SSRIs, such as Xanax, Valium, and Librium. These drugs are Central Nervous System depressants (“downers”) and are prescribed in low doses to treat anxiety. These drugs slow down the nervous system, so that one’s anxious thoughts cease to exist until the drug begins to wear off. As a anxious person continues to use SSRIs to relieve their anxiety, their brain begins to become dependent on the drug, this can cause the user to go through withdrawal. Withdrawals can increase the anxiety and tension of a person, which in effect, does the exact opposite of what the user

Odds are you or someone you know suffers from an anxiety disorder, this comes at no surprise however, because according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America a whopping 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population suffer from these disorders. According to helpguide.org there are six types of anxiety disorders, they consist of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Within some of these disorders are different more specific disorders that can be diagnosed as well. For the most part all of these disorders come with their own signs, symptoms, caustations, and treatments, leaving a visit to a mental health professional as the best

105). The other more recent treatment for generalized anxiety disorder is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).This type of medication became popular due to its ability to regulate serotonin. Also, another reason SSRIs became so popular is because it works for other disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia in lowering symptoms by as much as 80% in over 50% of people taking the medication (Anxiety Disorders; Treatment).

Generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety people experience everyday. It is a chronic condition that is chracterized by excessive worry and anxiety, even though there aren't any reasonable explanations for the cause. It is diagnosed when a person spends a least 6 months worrying excessively about numerous everyday problems.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an ailment that affects relatively 5% of the general population (Neurobiology and Genetics, 2011). GAD is a mental illness that can be difficult to understand or to describe. It is also very hard to diagnose because most people who are experiencing it believe that it is normal to worry about issues at that level. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder have extreme fear and concern about even the littlest issues in their lives. They believe that something will always go wrong (NIH). There are times when these fears can keep these people from completing every day activities. There are also many symptoms that come along with this disorder. For instance, people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder have problems sleeping, headaches, fatigue, trembling, lightheadedness, and many other problems (NIH). GAD can make a big impact on a person’s life so it is important for them to get all the information they can about it in order to improve their quality

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a continuous state of excessive, uncontrollable, and pointless worry and apprehension. People with generalized anxiety disorder often worry about routine, everyday things, even though their concerns are unjustified.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not just “someone who worries too much.” GAD presents itself with many serious physical symptoms, such as insomnia, muscle stiffness and soreness, fatigue, a choking sensation or difficulty swallowing, headaches, sweating, nausea, trembling, twitching, feeling out of breath, and light headedness. People with severe anxiety can have difficulty carrying out the simplest everyday tasks. GAD can often be difficult to diagnose, because sufferers will visit their doctor, complaining of one or more of the physical

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder marked by extreme anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) over a period of at least 6 months. It is accompanied by at least three of these six somatic or psychological symptoms: feeling on edge, fatigue, problems with concentration, feeling irritable, physical tension, and problems with sleep.

If my supervisor told me that she thinks the patient I chose was misdiagnosed and that the problem is something else entirely, I would defend my diagnosis using this case study. Paula presents herself as a woman who “get(s) dizzy” with “chest pains…short of breath” as well as she “feel(s) like (she’s) dying and the world is ending” (Getzfeld, 2004)1. When she visits the emergency room, the doctors tell her the cause is not physical – therefore they must be psychological. Key symptoms of panic attacks include heart attack-like symptoms, as well as raised heart rate, sweating, and dizziness, all of which Paula experienced. Another key of diagnosing panic disorder (PD) is that a lot of random panic attacks occur and these attacks bring on at least 1 month of fear that more attacks will occur which Paula experienced. PD involves avoiding situations due to the fear of a difficult escape should a panic attack occur and that they will be embarrassed; Paula had said she did not go to work as

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is described as disproportionate worry or anxiety associated with life circumstances that are difficult to handle (Edmunds & Mayhew, 2014). GAD, often a chronic condition in nature, can impair a patient’s ability to function. Therefore, it is essential to

Due to marked Sara’s fear one or more social situations, her concern is she will act in negative or embarrassing manner around other people and they will have a negative opinion of herself. Sara uneasiness has persisted more than six-months, sleep disturbance, restlessness and feeling keyed up. Sara’s worry has caused clinically significant distress. Furthermore, Sara’s turmoil is not attributed to physiological effects of substances, i.e. alcohol or marijuana. Her disturbance is not caused by another mental disorder. Furthermore, Sara childhood verbal and psychological abuse from her parents as evidence by demeaning comments “wish you were not born, why do you do this to the family”

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a disorder in which an individual may feel persistent, excessive, and worry about everyday things that may not even happen. Individuals with this disorder may feel worry, excessive anxiety, and have thoughts of the worst even when there is no need for concern. A person experiencing GAD may expect a disaster. They may worry about their finances, money, health, family, work, or any issue that may come to mind. This disorder may be present when a person worrying increases on more days than one for at least six months. GAD can interfere with work, school, family, and even social activities. GAD can be diagnosed in adults when they experience at least three of the symptoms. These symptoms include restlessness or feeling on the edge, fatigue, difficulty focusing or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, pain in back or headaches, and sleep disturbance (ADAA, n.d.).