Choose one of the psychological disorders discussed in the course resources (i.e., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) and create a fictitious case study of someone who exhibits the behaviors of this disorder.
Academic case studies typically focus on a single individual or small group of people, providing specific and detailed information about the person and chosen topic. Your case study for this assignment should include the following:
A fictitious person that is the focus of your case study
A description of this fictitious person
Specific behaviors related to the chosen psychological disorder
Background information to give context of these behaviors
Information on how the person may be affected by the chosen psychological disorder
Case Study: Generalized Anxiety Disorder in "Emily Thompson"
Introduction
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. Individuals with GAD often find it challenging to manage their anxiety, leading to significant distress and impairment in their daily functioning. This case study explores the life of a fictitious individual, Emily Thompson, who exhibits symptoms of GAD.
Subject Description
Name: Emily Thompson
Age: 29
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
Location: Seattle, WA
Marital Status: Single
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications
Emily is a bright and ambitious young woman who has always been dedicated to her career. She is known for her creativity and strong work ethic but struggles with pervasive feelings of anxiety that affect her personal and professional life. Despite appearing composed on the outside, Emily often finds herself overwhelmed by worry.
Background Information
Emily grew up in a stable, loving household, the youngest of three siblings. While her family was supportive, they often emphasized the importance of high achievement, which instilled a deep-seated fear of failure in Emily from a young age. During her teenage years, she began experiencing bouts of anxiety, especially before exams or presentations. However, it wasn’t until her mid-20s that these feelings intensified and became chronic.
Emily's current job in marketing requires her to meet tight deadlines and deliver creative content consistently. While she enjoyed the challenges at first, the pressure to perform has exacerbated her anxiety to the point where it has begun affecting her health and happiness.
Specific Behaviors Related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Emily's behaviors reflect the hallmark symptoms of GAD:
1. Excessive Worrying: Emily constantly worries about several aspects of her life, including work performance, relationships, and future career prospects. Even minor decisions become overwhelming for her, as she fears making the wrong choice.
2. Physical Symptoms: She experiences tension headaches and stomach issues, which she attributes to stress. Emily often feels restless and has difficulty concentrating, finding it hard to focus on tasks at hand due to racing thoughts.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Emily struggles with insomnia; she frequently lies awake at night, unable to quiet her mind. When she does manage to sleep, she often has nightmares about failing at work or disappointing others.
4. Avoidance Behavior: To cope with her anxiety, Emily has started avoiding social situations, fearing judgment from peers or making a fool of herself during conversations. This has led to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
5. Perfectionism: Emily sets unrealistically high standards for herself at work. She spends hours revising her presentations and marketing materials to ensure they are flawless, leading to procrastination and increased anxiety with deadlines.
Impact of Generalized Anxiety Disorder on Daily Life
Emily’s GAD significantly impacts her daily life in various ways:
- Professional Life: Her excessive worrying about work leads to decreased productivity. The constant fear of making mistakes results in missed deadlines and strained relationships with colleagues who do not understand her struggles.
- Social Life: Her avoidance of social gatherings has resulted in a dwindling social circle. Emily often feels lonely and disconnected from friends and family, which further exacerbates her anxiety levels.
- Emotional Well-being: The chronic nature of her anxiety has led to feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Emily often feels trapped in a cycle of worry and avoidance, which diminishes her overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Emily Thompson's case illustrates the debilitating effects of Generalized Anxiety Disorder on an individual’s personal and professional life. By understanding her experiences and behaviors, we can gain insight into the complexities of GAD and the importance of early intervention and support. Addressing these challenges through therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques could greatly improve Emily’s ability to manage her anxiety and lead a more fulfilling life.