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Anxiety Disorders Center>> Anxiety Related Disorders
That We Treat>> Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
“I
worry about everything”
“I’m irritable and edgy all the time.”
“My friends call me a worry wort”
Some
individuals have an unhealthy tendency to worry. People
with this problem worry excessively about a variety
of things (e.g., job, money, family, health) and may
experience symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, irritability,
and muscle tension. While the name, Generalized Anxiety
Disorder, may sound imposing, GAD is simply an unhealthy
tendency to worry. While other anxiety disorders also
involve worry, worry is the major feature of GAD.
Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment Overview
The
St. Louis Anxiety Disorders Center begins all assessments
with a complete behavioral analysis. This includes interview
with a clinician trained in behavioral analysis, written
reports, and consult with family, and referring professional.
Contact
Kelly
if you are ready to begin the assessment process.
The
following case study is intended to provide very brief
presentation of the Cognitive
Behavioral Model as it relates to the treatment of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Examples are not intended for clinical treatment.
Similarities to an actual patient are unintentional.
Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Case Study
Jim is a 31 year old successful salesman. He was referred
by the nurse practitioner in his MD office. He complains
of muscle tension, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
He worries about not having enough money for his family
in the event he dies suddenly or is fired from his job.
He worries about job stability and feels he would be
unable to get another job that paid as well. He has
elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and has
missed several work deadlines.
Cognitive
Behavioral Model
| Fear
Stimulus |
External:
Instability of economy & career
Youngest child has special medical needs
Wife stays home
Internal
(Family history):
Father
abandoned Family
Thoughts of "not being good enough",
failure, loss of family
Thought of early death from physical symptoms
|
| Misinterpretation
of Threat |
I
will be a failure to my family.
I
will be physically incapable to care for myself.
I will lose my family.
|
| Anxiety |
Physical
symptoms:
Exhaustion
Racing Mind
|
| Avoidant
Coping |
Constant
reassurance from wife, boss
Increased medical use
Take on more work
|
|
Absence
of
Corrective experience |
Temporary
relief with avoidant coping
|
Treatment
used:
Intensive outpatient, 2 weeks
- Exposure
Response Prevention (ERP)
- Taught
Coping Skills specific to fears
- Correct
misperceptions of danger
- Supportive
psychotherapy to eliminate obstacles for success
- Learn
skills to decrease anxiety and eliminate symptoms,
decrease medication reliance
Results:
Jim decreased his medical visits to more appropriate
utilization. He was able to work out a plan with a financial
advisor and not second guess it. He has decreased or
eliminated medications. He is sleeping, and reports
success in recognizing and employing coping strategies
to manage anxiety symptoms.
Please know that we are here to help you.
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety:
Now that you have read more about GAD, the next step is to seek help.
Frequently, people are hesitant to make the first step. Please know that our Institute is nationally recognized and our clinicians are ready to work with you.
In order to receive help the first step is to contact our Intake Coordinator.
For our Macklind office call 314-534-0200.
For our West County office call 636-532-9188.
Our toll free number is 877-245-2688.
Our Intake Coordinator will match you to one of our clinicians who will evaluate your
concerns and make recommendations to you.
The first step is an important one and only you can place the call.
Remember, we are here to help you.
Your insurance coverage will also be reviewed by the intake coordinator.
Click here to contact the Anxiety Disorders Center
|
