PS124
Unit 9 Assignment
5/21/13
Alicia
Alicia she was just a worrier. She said she would feel keyed up and unable to relax. At times it would come and go, and at times it would be constant. She is now afraid to go to a simple dinner party or even go to a restaurant. She stays in bed most days and hardly leaves her house. Thoughts Alicia has are racing and she says it’s hard to let things go. Alicia also has sleeping problems, trouble concentrating, lightheadedness, and worries about everything.
I would diagnose Alicia with social anxiety disorder. This is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety arises from a fear of being closely watched, judged, and criticized by others.
A person with social anxiety disorder is afraid that they will make mistakes, look bad, and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. With this fear, they might not go around social situations at all. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person's normal daily routine. (MayoClinic,2013)
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include: avoidance of social situations, anxiety in social situations, confusion, fast heartbeat, tension, and confusion. I will tell Alicia that this is a very common disorder. This disorder is second to depression, and it is more common in adult females than males. There is no known cause, but biological, psychological, and environmental factors may have an influence.
Since these symptoms listed above are present, I will evaluate further by by asking questions about Alicia’s medical history and performing a physical exam. No lab tests will be done. If no physical illness is found, I will recommend her to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Along with this evaluation and seeing a psychiatrist or a psychologist, the most effective treatment currently is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. Medication is also used to help ease the