Discussion WK 5 SOCW 6443: Treating Anxiety Disorder

Discussion WK 5 SOCW 6443: Treating Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety levels range dramatically from individual to individual and from situation to situation. To illustrate the spectrum of normal to psychopathological anxiety, consider the fear of dogs. Many people are reasonably cautious when encountering an unfamiliar dog, rationalizing that the animal has some potential to inflict injury and will therefore not approach an unattended dog. However, some people avoid even the possibility of encountering a dog by never leaving their homes. In addition, some people may turn to available substances, such as alcohol, to self-medicate to overcome their fear, creating the potential for developing a comorbid addictive disorder. In short, anxiety disorders present a complex range of challenges for the mental health professional and require a multifaceted approach in creating treatment strategies.

For this Discussion, view the media case study “Anxiety Disorder Case Study: Willy” and consider the general challenges in assessment, differential diagnosis, and use of psychopharmacological treatment for the symptoms demonstrated. Think about the uses and benefits of anxiolytic medications in the treatment of panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety.

Questions in bold then answers intext citations APA 7th addition and full references

You must use the DSM-5 Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.

Post the challenges of treating the anxiety disorder of the client you selected. 

Then describe at least three potential anxiolytic medications that may be effective in treating this client and explain the potential addiction risk of each.

Explain how this information might influence a mental health professional’s approach to counseling this client.

Finally, explain the role of the mental health professional in communicating concerns to other health care professionals.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Resources

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.

Chapter 6, “Anxiolytic-Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Pharmacotherapy” (pp. 77–84)

Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Chapter 9, “Anxiety Disorders” (pp. 107-122)

Chapter 12, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (pp. 137-144)

Chapter 18, “Antianxiety Medication” (pp. 217-226)

Case study of Willy

Anxiety Disorder Case Study: Willy

Anxiety Disorder Case Study: Willy

Program Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

WILLY: My name is Willy. I'm 35 years old. I've been divorced for five years and I

don't have any children. I am not seeing anyone at the moment.

My biggest problem is reliving events from my past. I joined the army when I was

18 years old. I love the structure of military life and the resources the army

provided. I enjoyed the educational opportunities. And I also knew I would have a

roof over my head and something to eat.

I was doing well in the military. So I stayed in for about 10 years. During that

time, the US became involved in a number of foreign conflicts and initiatives. I

was deployed to Afghanistan during one of my last years in the army.

In Afghanistan, my perspective on what I was accomplishing shifted dramatically.

In one instance, I witnessed my best, most trusted friend shoot a young,

unarmed girl just because she wore hijab. My fears after witnessing this event

changed me forever. I became disenchanted with the army as I thought about all

the people who were killed.

In the face of that girl, I saw my sister's daughter, Heather. It seems now that

every night I had dreams of war and genocide. Occasionally, during the worst

times, I thought about whether it would have been better for me to have died in

that country instead of returning to this miserable life. I wonder every day, if I had

turned in my friend, would I not be haunted by this girl's memory.

I panic at some point most days. I become agitated and lash out when my mind

is on the past. It interferes with my work and my relationships with my coworkers.

After I calm down, I tell myself that it doesn't make sense for me to be panicking.

But I know it will happen again. Sometimes, I'm afraid I might hurt someone if

they startle me.

Anxiety Disorder Case Study: Willy

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