anxiety
ANXIETY
Treatment Guideline Chart

Anxiety disorders are disorders wherein the patient experiences uncontrollable fear or anxiety with behavioral disturbances that affects normal functioning.

Generalized anxiety disorder is having excessive anxiety and worry occurring for at least 6 months about several events or activities. The person finds it difficult to control the worry.
Panic disorder is when the person experienced recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
Social anxiety disorder is marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others.

Anxiety Patient Education

Patient Education

  • Should be provided to all patients regardless of anxiety disorder or treatment type
  • Helps the patient and family understand that the disorder is a real illness which requires treatment and support 
  • Addresses patient’s concerns
  • Reassures and instills hope
  • Talk to patient beyond somatic issues
  • Important to monitor patient’s symptoms as well as functioning
    • Active monitoring may improve less severe presentations and avoid the need for further interventions  
  • Panic attacks
    • Explain to patient that they are not life-threatening
    • Teach family that the attacks can be disabling to the patient
  • Discuss treatment options and risks vs benefits of both pharmacological therapy and psychosocial treatment
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