Generalized Anxiety Case Studies

The two diagnoses that best fit Fred’s case study are panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. These two mental disorders are alike because in order to be diagnosed with either one of these, the patient must have: a persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences, a significant change in behavior related to the disorder, the disturbances is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition, and the disturbance is not better explain by another mental disorder (DSM-5). A panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder differ in their symptoms and panic disorder involves having recurrent and unexpectant panic attacks; while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive …show more content…
He also has persistent concern or worry about additional consequences, a significant maladaptive change in behavior related to attack, and the disturbances are not due physiological substances. Fred describes that when he worries, he “often feels sick . . . is aware of his heart pounding . . . often gets hot and sweaty”. He also notes that he does not abuse any substances, and he says he “worries his stress levels will make him go mad”. In addition, because of his fear to be outside alone, he has not gone to work a few times which is an attempt to avoid a situation and is a maladaptive behavior. What makes me question the accuracy of this diagnosis is that he does not state that he is having panic attacks, but it does sound like he describes like he had them. Also, his disturbances may be better explained by another mental disorder like generalized anxiety …show more content…
He has anxiety “for a lot of the time during the day, every single day” about his work as a locksmith and going outside his home alone, and is presenting to me “due to problems sleeping due to excessive worry . . . [and] he is not able to work as effectively”. He feels on edge because he “often imagines the worst happening”, such as his client’s home being broken into. He also admits that he has difficulty concentrating on the job because his anxiety. Another symptom that is present is irritability, he has been getting “easily irritated with his children”. His anxiety is longstanding and persistent, he even says that he has been unable to leave his house sometimes to go to work due to fear. Additionally, Fred does not abuse any substances nor “pertinent medical