Which assessment data would support a physician’s diagnosis of an anxiety disorder in a client?
DiagnosisYou may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health. He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment. Show
However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). To help diagnose an anxiety disorder, your mental health provider may:
TreatmentThe two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you. PsychotherapyAlso known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Generally a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT includes exposure therapy, in which you gradually encounter the object or situation that triggers your anxiety so you build confidence that you can manage the situation and anxiety symptoms. MedicationsSeveral types of medications are used to help relieve symptoms, depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have and whether you also have other mental or physical health issues. For example:
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Alternative medicineSeveral herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits. Herbal and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way medications are. You can't always be certain of what you're getting and whether it's safe. Some of these supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions. Before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take. Coping and supportTo cope with an anxiety disorder, here's what you can do:
Preparing for your appointmentYou may start by seeing your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional. What you can doBefore your appointment, make a list of:
Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor will likely ask you several questions, such as:
Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time. How do you know a patient has anxiety?Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:. Feeling nervous, restless or tense.. Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.. Having an increased heart rate.. Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation). Sweating.. Trembling.. Feeling weak or tired.. Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.. What are some notable mental status assessment findings of patients who are experiencing anxiety?Generalized anxiety disorder. restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.. being easily fatigued.. difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.. irritability.. muscle tension.. sleep disturbances.. Which nursing intervention would be indicated for a client with an anxiety disorder?The nursing interventions for anxiety disorders are: Stay calm and be nonthreatening. Maintain a calm, nonthreatening manner while working with client; anxiety is contagious and may be transferred from staff to client or vice versa.
Which of the following medications can be used to treat client with anxiety disorders?Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
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