Case Presentation
Mark, a white male aged 21, has experienced anxiety for the past six months. He attends college, majors in business, and works full-time at a nearby convenience shop. Mark has been struggling to control his anxiety, sleep, and concentration. Because of his concern that he might have a panic attack, he has been avoiding particular circumstances and locations. Also, he has been plagued by intrusive anxieties that he won’t be able to succeed at work and school.
Due to his high standards for himself and his tendency toward perfection, Mark is prone to anxiety. He struggles to explain his feelings and is not used to asking for assistance. He has a hard time controlling his feelings and feels overwhelmed frequently. Some circumstances and places that remind Mark of his past experiences make him anxious. He also gets upset by stressful situations at work and school. Mark feels that he must be flawless in order to be liked by others and that he is not good enough.
Additionally, he thinks his nervousness will keep him from attaining his objectives and is a sign of weakness. Mark feels frightened, anxious, and dreadful in some situations and locations. Also, he has persistent feelings that he is incompetent and doomed to failure. He also makes an effort to control his fear and anxiety and stay away from specific circumstances.
Diagnosis
Mark has symptoms consistent with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability (Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), 2022). Treatment for GAD often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes (Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), 2022). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn how to identify and challenge distorted thinking and develop coping strategies for managing symptoms (Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), 2022). To help with symptom reduction, medication such as antidepressants may also be recommended. A lifestyle change, such as getting enough rest, working out frequently, and lowering stress, might also help lessen symptoms. Mark eventually received a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
While the symptoms described suggest that Mark may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it is vital to undertake a differential diagnosis to rule out other potential explanations for his symptoms. Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder are a few other mental health diseases that have symptoms in common with GAD (PTSD). Anxiety symptoms can also be brought on by medical problems like hyperthyroidism or persistent pain. To arrive at the most accurate diagnosis and the best course of action, it’s crucial to seek a competent mental health expert or medical doctor for a professional evaluation.
Treatment
Mark has been using avoidance as a coping strategy to manage his anxiety. He has also been trying to distract himself with activities such as watching TV and playing video games. He has also been trying to manage his anxiety by focusing on breathing and practicing mindfulness techniques. Mark’s avoidance strategy has been helpful in the short term, but it is not addressing the root causes of his anxiety. He needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing his anxiety. He should start by talking to a professional to get a better understanding of his anxiety and develop a plan to address it. He should also look into changing his lifestyle, such as reducing his alcohol consumption and improving his sleep hygiene.
Additionally, he should practice relaxation exercises and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help him manage his anxiety. He should also consider joining a support group or taking part in activities that can help him manage his anxiety. Finally, he should make sure to stay connected to his family and friends, as having strong social support can help him better manage his anxiety.
Mark’s treatment plan will focus on helping him to identify and challenge his core beliefs and to learn healthy coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be utilized to help him manage his anxiety and develop healthier beliefs and behaviors. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness-based interventions will be used to help Mark to manage his distress. Mark will explore his triggers and learn to identify and challenge his core beliefs. Through CBT, he will learn to become aware of his thoughts and feelings, identify patterns of behavior, and practice new behaviors to replace the old ones (Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), 2022). He will also be encouraged to practice acceptance and mindfulness techniques to help him become more aware of his feelings and thoughts without judgment.
Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery will be used to help him reduce his overall anxiety levels. Mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction will also help him learn to stay present in the moment and gain a deeper understanding of his thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mark will also learn to identify and practice healthy coping strategies to help him manage his emotions and reduce his anxiety. He will be encouraged to develop healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. He will also be stimulated to engage in activities that bring him joy, such as spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies, and engaging in creative activities. The goal of Mark’s treatment plan is to help him learn to manage his anxiety and depression healthily, increase his self-esteem, and improve his overall quality of life.
References
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). (2022). Cleveland Clinic. Web.
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