Addiction Case Study Leon

1.) Leon is meeting the clinical criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) (300.23). As indicated in the DSM-V (2013), the criteria includes several of the symptoms that Leon is experiencing; “marked fear of anxiety about one or more social situation in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others, including, social interactions, being observed, and performing in front of others, the individual fears that he or she will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated, the social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety, the fear or anxiety is out of proportions to the actual threat, avoidance is persistent, lasting for six months or more, the avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment, the fear or avoidance is not related to a …show more content…
Further exploration should be considered prior to planning treatment. It is noted by Beidel, et al (2014) that “life events and chronic conditions such as maltreatment during childhood, appears to increase risk for a variety of mental disorders, including anxiety disorders”. (p. 330) Treatment outcome could be detrimental if this vital piece of information is missing. Although there is not noted history of addiction with Leon himself, it would be important to find out family history of addiction in order to determine Leon’s risk of addiction. The reason being, is because most pharmacological methods in treating anxiety usually include the use of Benzodiazepines, which are an addictive substance. Psychotherapy would be the first recommendation, preferably with the focus on CBT. I would also incorporate mindfulness and other mediation techniques into the treatment plan for Leon. I would educate him on guided imagery techniques, as well as breathing. I would also recommend exercise or yoga, or some other type of relaxation or self soothing