Question

1. Mary

Mary is a 47-year-old woman who lives at home with her parents. She is single and does not have children. She is dissatisfied at work and “hates life” in general. Mary wants to live on her own, but fears that she will not be able to survive away from the safety of her parents.

Mary reports having no social life because she gets “nervous” around people and “does not know what to say”. Mary also hates her appearance, says that she has bitten her nails down too far, and states that these things keep her from wanting to be social. At work, she has one friend with whom she has lunch. They go to the same restaurant and order the same meal multiple times per week. Mary worries about trying anything new.

During counseling, Mary’s leg shakes incessantly. Mary reports that this happens whenever she talks about herself. Anxiety also arises when Mary is in unfamiliar places. Usually, she ends up sweating profusely. Mary has recently earned a college degree but says she will remain at the job she dislikes. “It’s comfortable,” she says. “I know when to arrive, who will be there, what do to, and when to leave.” At the suggestion that she consider a new job – one that utilizes her college degree and provides a pay raise – Mary grows agitated and screams, “You don’t think I am good enough just as I am, do you!?” Next, Mary storms out the door and never returns to therapy.

1. The client’s diagnosis
2. The reasoning for the diagnosis
3. Prevalence rates and theories on etiology pertaining to the diagnosis
4. d) Recommended treatment, including, but not limited to, biomedical and psychological counseling interventions

Answer 1

Mary's case shows that she is going through Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The reason for this diagnosis is her fear about her inability to survive alone and away from her parents. Also because she gets nervous around people and has no social life. She also seems to show signs like restlessness and irritability when she talks about her life. She also seems to be worried about her appearance and she also seems to be away from people because she feels that she may not be calm. This shows her excessive worries. Since this is pervasive, that is, it is throughout the time that she experiences these symptoms, I think it has to be Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The prevalence of this disorder is found to be twice more in females than in males. This prevalence increases in middle age and decreases by late in adulthood. Also, people in developed countries are more likely to experience this disorder.

The treatment plan has to include a psychotherapy that would reduce the symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is seen to be very helpful in treating generalized anxiety. Medication can include antidepressants and sedatives to help her deal with her concerns. Apart from these she can be taught relaxation techniques to calm herself. The therapist can also suggest some changes in diet and recommend exercise. Mary can also join support groups from where she can learn to manage her symptoms from people who are in similar situation.

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