The anxiety diagnosis I believe Chandra exemplifies is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). According to the textbook, GAD is “characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities.” In the chart above I lay out the diagnostic criteria of Generalized Anxiety Disorder as per the DSM. The disorder must be associated with one or more of the six symptoms listed in the left side of the chart, including: 1.) Restlessness, feeling keyed up or on edge, 2.) being easily fatigued, 3.) difficulty concentrating, 4.) irritability, 5.) muscle tension, and 6.) sleep disturbance. After viewing the video of Chandra’s interview, I believe that she experiences feeling keyed up or on edge, is easily fatigued, and has difficulty concentrating.
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This disorder is defined by “the presence of one or more major depressive episodes,” according to the textbook. The DSM requirements for this disorder are the same for children, adolescents, and adults; requiring the presence of five or more of the symptoms. The symptoms include: 1.) depressed or irritable mood, 2.) loss of interest or pleasure, 3.) change in weight or appetite, 4.) sleep problems, 5.) motor agitation or retardation, 6.) fatigue or loss of energy, 7.) feelings or worthlessness or guilt, 8.) difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, 9.) thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts/behavior. Through the video, I gathered that Chandra exhibits roughly seven of these symptoms which I will expand upon using examples that she has given in the interview. Chandra has lost interest and pleasure in hanging out with her friends; she even states that she was previously a member of the “popular” crowd. Instead, she comes home from school and either falls asleep or lays on the couch and watches the television. Chandra herself claimed that her activity level and interest in things were depressed. Previously a straight A student, Chandra’s anxiety and depression also affected her academically. Her grades dropped tremendously because she no longer completed her assigned homework. Chandra reached a point in depression which led her to begin self harming,
This disorder is defined by “the presence of one or more major depressive episodes,” according to the textbook. The DSM requirements for this disorder are the same for children, adolescents, and adults; requiring the presence of five or more of the symptoms. The symptoms include: 1.) depressed or irritable mood, 2.) loss of interest or pleasure, 3.) change in weight or appetite, 4.) sleep problems, 5.) motor agitation or retardation, 6.) fatigue or loss of energy, 7.) feelings or worthlessness or guilt, 8.) difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, 9.) thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts/behavior. Through the video, I gathered that Chandra exhibits roughly seven of these symptoms which I will expand upon using examples that she has given in the interview. Chandra has lost interest and pleasure in hanging out with her friends; she even states that she was previously a member of the “popular” crowd. Instead, she comes home from school and either falls asleep or lays on the couch and watches the television. Chandra herself claimed that her activity level and interest in things were depressed. Previously a straight A student, Chandra’s anxiety and depression also affected her academically. Her grades dropped tremendously because she no longer completed her assigned homework. Chandra reached a point in depression which led her to begin self harming,