Directions In This Discussion: We'll Discuss Effective Anxie

Directionsin This Discussion Well Discuss Anxiety Effective And In

Describe a client from your clinical setting or work who experienced severe anxiety or panic. Include a brief history and three most pertinent medications. Describe the assessment process for this patient. Identify at least one effective and one non-effective nursing intervention. Why did they work? What didn't work? Name and describe two stress reduction techniques you have used and whether they were helpful or not in reducing stress.

Paper For Above instruction

Anxiety and panic disorders present significant challenges in clinical practice, requiring careful assessment and tailored interventions. In this discussion, I will describe a client from my clinical experience who suffered from severe anxiety, elaborate on the assessment process, and evaluate nursing interventions' effectiveness, alongside personal experiences with stress reduction techniques.

Client Background and Clinical Presentation

The client, a 45-year-old female, presented with intense episodes of panic characterized by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and a sense of imminent doom. Her symptoms began approximately six months prior, initially triggered by stressful life events including divorce and job loss. Over time, she reported increased frequency of panic attacks, occurring 3-4 times weekly, which began interferingly with her daily functioning. She reported no history of cardiovascular issues but had a history of generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed in her late twenties. Her medication history included sertraline (an SSRI), lorazepam (a benzodiazepine), and propranolol (a beta-blocker) for symptom control.

Assessment Process

The assessment involved a comprehensive psychiatric interview, physical examination, and utilization of standardized tools such as the Panic Disorder Severity Scale. Key assessment points included evaluating symptom frequency, duration, triggers, and impact on daily life. Additionally, assessment encompassed screening for comorbid conditions like depression and substance abuse. Observations revealed signs of hypervigilance, tachycardia, and rapid breathing during episodes. Laboratory tests were conducted to rule out medical causes like hyperthyroidism. The assessment established a diagnosis of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.

Effective Nursing Intervention

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was highly effective in this case. This intervention focused on restructuring maladaptive thought patterns and exposing the patient to panic-inducing stimuli in controlled settings. CBT provided the client with coping skills, leading to a reduction in attack frequency and severity. The therapy worked because it addressed underlying cognitive distortions and behaviors that perpetuated her anxiety, equipping her with long-term management strategies.

Non-Effective Nursing Intervention

Initially, simple reassurance and passive observation without active engagement proved ineffective. Merely telling the patient that her symptoms would pass did not address the maladaptive thought processes or teach coping mechanisms. This approach failed because it did not empower the patient or modify her anxiety cycle, highlighting the importance of active interventions such as CBT.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Two techniques I personally implemented include diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Diaphragmatic breathing involves slow, deep breaths engaging the diaphragm, which can reduce physiological arousal associated with anxiety. I found it helpful during periods of acute stress, as it quickly induced calm and mental clarity. PMR, which involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups sequentially, was effective over time in decreasing overall stress levels and bodily tension, although it required consistent practice to be most beneficial.

Conclusion

Managing severe anxiety necessitates a multifaceted approach integrating thorough assessment, tailored therapeutic techniques, and individualized stress management strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy remains a cornerstone of effective intervention, whereas passive reassurance alone is insufficient. Personal stress reduction methods like diaphragmatic breathing and PMR are valuable tools, enhancing resilience and emotional regulation when practiced regularly. Continued research and clinical practice reinforce the importance of comprehensive care involving medications, therapy, and self-care techniques to optimize patient outcomes.

References

  • Barlow, D. H. (2014). Anxiety and its Disorders: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic. Guilford Publications.
  • Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Panic Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/panic-disorder
  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Bantam.
  • Levitan, R. (2013). Stress management techniques for anxiety reduction. Journal of Stress & Health, 30(2), 125–136.
  • Hansson, A., Akerblad, A. C., & Olsson, G. L. (2017). Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation in reducing anxiety. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 31(2), 394–399.
  • McLeod, S. (2017). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/cbt.html
  • Fisher, J. (2019). Incorporating Mindfulness in Stress Management. Journal of Psychology & Behavioral Science, 7(3), 45–52.
  • McEwan, K., & Segal, J. (2016). The therapeutic effects of diaphragmatic breathing in anxiety management. International Journal of Mindfulness, 7, 232–241.

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