Osvady Argudin
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Summary
A 25-year-old male patient who works in a consulting firm stated in the consultation that he had difficulties carrying out his work because he felt severe insecurities in his work environment. These insecurities are affecting his performance and growth in the consulting firm, which is causing deep frustration because he compares his work situation with his social life, which he claims to be positive and has a small circle of friends with whom feels safe, unlike the constant embarrassment he feels when interacting with his peers.
Patient’s Problems:
Difficulty in public speaking situations, Apprehension of Social Isolation, Fear that other people may look down on him, Lost chances at advancement, and Aggravation at the current state of affairs.
In my opinion, what has to be treated first is the patient’s incapacity to deliver presentations and the related fear of public humiliation.
Diagnosis and Rational
Definitely, the most appropriate diagnosis is Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) as it’s evidenced the symptoms which include social frustration, and avoidance behaviors. He may also have symptoms of decreased motivation and difficulty enjoying activities. A diagnosis of a social anxiety disorder (SAD) is consistent with symptoms explained before. SAD is a mental disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety about social
situations, particularly when one may be evaluated or scrutinized by others (Rose & Tadi, 2021).
Differential Diagnosis
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are two further conditions that may need to be evaluated. Excessive concern and future anxiety are hallmarks of generalized anxiety disorder, while unpredictable bursts of fear are the hallmark of panic disorder and anticipatory anxiety (Rose & Tadi, 2021). The patient’s fear of embarrassing himself and his difficulty in work settings could be indicative of either of these disorders. To differentiate between these diagnoses, a detailed assessment of the patient’s symptoms and history should be conducted.
Screening tools
The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) is a popular screening tool for measuring anxiety. It evaluates a number of anxiety-related symptoms even though they came before modern conceptions of anxiety. The HAM-A includes subscales for both physical and mental anxiety. The psychological subscale, which includes questions about the more individualized cognitive and affective aspects of anxious experiences, such as anxious mood, tension, and anxieties, is particularly helpful in determining how severe anxiety is (Belzer, 2019). In contrast, the somatic subscale emphasizes anxiety symptoms that are a little less common, such as autonomic arousal and cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms.
Treatment
The patient may benefit from using medications to help reduce his anxiety symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used medications for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (Edinoff, 2021). The patient may benefit from psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help him manage his symptoms. This therapy can help the patient identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Standard Guidelines
The treatment recommendations for SAD are based on the guidelines set out in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 outlines the diagnostic criteria for SAD as well as the recommended treatment options, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Additionally, the American Psychological Association provides guidelines for the use of psychotherapy for SAD.
Obdelis Dominguez
22 hours ago, at 8:59 PM
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Patient’s problems in order of priority (highest to least). He states that:
1. -It is hard for him to give presentations at his new job due to concerns of him embarrassing himself and his peers will think less of him
2. -He has passed up multiple lead roles and potential promotions to avoid being put on the spot
3. -The situation is frustrating to him as he does not have an issue interacting with peers in no work settings
The patient is most likely experiencing performance-only social phobia also known as a social anxiety disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders fifth edition (DSM-5, 2013 pg 201), released by the American Psychiatric Association, diagnoses social anxiety disorder based on the following criteria:
1. Significant fear or anxiety in one or more social situations where the individual can be scrutinized by others
2. The individual is afraid of behaving in a way that may subject them to negative evaluation.
3. The individual avoids social interactions or endures them with fear and anxiety
4. The fear seems exaggerated per the socio-cultural context
5. The individual is not on any medication or substance use that would cause physiological effects that manifest as anxiety
6. The individual has no symptoms of another mental disorder
The client presents with all of the above symptoms. However, his fear is limited to speaking in office meetings at work thus; his disorder qualifies as a performance-only social phobia.
Differential diagnosis
1. -Normative shyness – Panic disorder – Body dysmorphia
2. -Agoraphobia – avoiding certain spaces due to fear of difficulty in escaping
3. -Generalized anxiety disorder – social worries more focused on existing relationships and not fear of being negatively evaluated by others in a public setting
(APA DSM 5, 2013)
Screening tools
The Social phobia inventory (SPIN) and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) are used. The surveys ask the individual to assess their anxiety symptoms (Rose & Tadi, 2022). Direct questioning will also reveal their symptoms.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder responds well to individual cognitive behavioral therapy (Rose & Tadi, 2022). It can also be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetime and citalopram. Either way, Rose and Tadi (2022) report that there is no evidence that favors combinational therapy over monotherapy – both are as effective.
Standard guidelines of assessment
1. History taking
2. As identification questions in line with the common mental health assessment
3. If social anxiety disorder is suspected, administer the Mini-SPIN tool
4. Score is 6 or more on the mini-SPIN, conduct a comprehensive assessment per theDSM 5
5. (National Institute for Health and care Excellence, 2013)
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Marta Garcia Diaz
23 hours ago, at 8:32 PM
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Summary
A male patient of 25 years is included in this clinical case study because he is having trouble in his new position. The patient, who works for a consulting firm, is avoiding public speaking because he is afraid of making a fool of himself and losing the respect of his colleagues. His frustration stems from the fact that he has missed out on several opportunities for main roles and promotions. The patient reports feeling comfortable chatting with coworkers and friends in both large and small settings.
List of Patient’s Problems and Prioritization:
1. Difficulty in public speaking situations
2. Apprehension of Social Isolation
3. Fear that other people may look down on him
4. Lost chances at advancement
5. Aggravation at the current state of affairs
In view of the patient’s symptoms and the information that has been provided, it would appear that the patient’s incapacity to deliver presentations and the related fear of public humiliation should be treated first. It is possible that the patient’s other problems are exacerbated by the fact that he is unable to develop in his career. This frustrates the patient.
Diagnosis:
This individual most likely suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Rationale for Diagnosis:
Symptoms that are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder include substantial impairment in occupational, academic, or other areas of functioning, as well as fear or humiliation when in social situations. Patient also reports being able to communicate with peers in small groups and with friends, which suggests he has the capacity to engage in social circumstances despite being hindered by specific anxiety triggers like public speaking (Koyuncu, 2019). Patient’s report of being able to communicate with peers in small groups and with friends also suggests that patient has the capacity to engage in social circumstances.
Differential Diagnosis:
1. Anxiety disorders in general (GAD)
2. Phobias that Target a Particular Object
3. Traumatic Stress Disorder
4. Major depressive disorder, number four (MDD)
Test or Screening Tools:
The following screening tools could be used to help identify the correct diagnosis:
1. NIMH’s Mini-Interview for Neuropsychiatric Illness Screening (MINI)
2. Second, a Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)
3. The Third Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
4. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GADS-7) (GAD-7)
Treatment:
Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are often used together to treat SAD. Psychotherapy can take several forms, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. Psychopharmacological therapies include, for instance, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (Masataka, 2019). The patient may also gain insight into his condition and learn techniques for coping with his symptoms through psychoeducation.
Rationale for Treatment:
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder has been well-documented. It works to transform maladaptive thought and action patterns, and it is tailored based on the patient’s presenting symptoms (Masataka, 2019). Exposure therapy is a method that can be used to cure phobias by gradually exposing the patient to the circumstance that causes them anxiety. Interpersonal Therapy focuses mostly on improving a patient’s social abilities as well as their ability to communicate with others.
Due to their capacity to control serotonin levels in the brain, which have been related to anxiety and sadness, SSRIs are often used to treat SAD (Masataka, 2019). Although benzodiazepines are effective in the short-term for alleviating anxiety symptoms, they should not be used regularly because of the danger of addiction.
Standard Guidelines:
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) provide guidelines for diagnosing and treating SAD. In accordance with these principles, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, medical background, and family history is required.
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Idalmis Lopez
2/1/23, 7:03 PM
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Clinical Case Summary
A 25-year-old male presents to the clinic with difficulty in his new job. He works at a consulting firm and is having difficulty giving presentations due to concerns that he will embarrass himself and his peers will think less of him. To avoid being put on the spot, he has passed up multiple lead roles and potential promotion as a result. He states that he has no issues interacting with peers in small groups or with his friends in other settings.
Problem List and Prioritization
1. Fearof embarrassing himself in front of peers and colleagues (highest priority)
2. Fearof peers and colleagues thinking less of him
3. Difficultygiving presentations
4. Avoidanceof lead roles and potential promotion
Diagnosis
The patient’s presentation and symptoms suggest that he is suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). According to the DSM-5, this disease is characterized by a persistent anxiety of one or more social or performance circumstances in which the person is exposed to new people or may be scrutinized by others. The individual’s fear causes them to avoid situations or endure them with intense distress (Alomari et al., 2022). In this case, the patient’s fear of embarrassing himself and of his peers thinking less of him is causing him distress and avoidance of giving presentations, lead roles, and potential promotion.
Rationale
The patient’s presentation of anxiety in work settings, avoidance of presentations and lead roles, and low self-esteem and self-confidence all support the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. The patient’s symptoms occur in the context of work and social situations, which is consistent with SAD. Additionally, the patient has passed up opportunities for promotion and leadership roles, which is a common symptom of SAD.
Differential Diagnoses
Other diagnoses that should be considered include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Adjustment Disorder. GAD is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is not limited to one particular situation (Alomari et al., 2022). Adjustment Disorder is a stress-related disorder that is associated with difficulty adjusting to a significant life change.
Test or Screening Tools
The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) could be used to help identify the correct diagnosis. The MINI is a short-structured interview that assesses for a range of mental disorders, including anxiety disorders (Azab, 2022). The SPIN is a self-report questionnaire that assesses the severity of social anxiety and avoidance.
Treatment
The primary treatment for SAD should include psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Other treatments include pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and exposure therapy, which is a form of CBT that involves gradually exposing the patient to the anxiety-provoking situations (Azab, 2022). The patient could also benefit from exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the patient to the fear-inducing situations in order to desensitize them to their fear. Psychoeducation and stress management techniques should also be included in the treatment plan.
Standard Guidelines
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) should be used to diagnose and treat the patient. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association’s Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder should be used to guide treatment (Azab, 2022). These guidelines provide an evidence-based approach to the assessment and treatment of SAD, and include recommendations for pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments.
Conclusion
The patient’s symptoms and presentation are consistent with a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. The patient should be screened using a standardized mental health assessment tool such as the MINI to help identify the correct diagnosis. Treatment should include a combination of psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and pharmacotherapy, following the APA guidelines. Additionally, follow-up appointments should be scheduled on a regular basis to check on the patient’s development and modify the treatment strategy as necessary.
Esdena Lacina
23 hours ago, at 8:29 PM
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Summary of the Client Case
This is a 25-year-old male patient who comes to the clinic after having some difficulties at the workplace. He is employed at a consultant firm and reports facing challenges in giving presentations due to the fear that he would be embarrassed and his peers would think less of him. Therefore, to avoid finding himself on the spot, he passed several lead roles and potential promotions. He reports being frustrated since he is fine interacting with peers in small groups or with friends.
The list of patient’s issues and priorities
· He is faced with the challenge of giving apresentation
· He fears that he might embarrass himself duringthe presentation
· The embarrassment might make his peers thinkless of him
· He has been forced to pass several lead rolesand possible promotions to avoid the issue
· He reports frustrations since he finds noproblem interacting with his peers in a small group.
The potential diagnosis and reasons
The possible diagnosis, in this case, is atychiphobia, characterized by an intense fear of failure. The condition makes an individual put off or avoid any activity that has the possibility of giving unsuccessful results (Linton, 2022). Individuals with this condition try new things, take risks, or embrace growth due to fear of failure.
The Differential Diagnosis
The common differential diagnosis that can be considered includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and paranoid personality disorder. OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts and fears that result in repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Panic disorder is anxiety characterized by regular sudden attacks of panic or fear. The reactions are considered natural responses to stressful situations (Murtaza & Scholar, 2020). A paranoid personality (PPD) refers to mental health illness characterized by the distrust or suspicion of others with no sufficient reasons to be paranoid. In this case, individuals believe that others try to demean, harm, or threaten them. The other potential differential diagnosis is a social anxiety disorder, a fear centered around social issues and how others perceive them. The fear of public speaking or talking as part of the competition is due to the fear of how others can judge.
The test screening tools to consider to assist with the correct diagnosis
There is no test for the diagnosis of this condition. Nevertheless, the healthcare provider performs diagnosis based on the symptoms presented. The mental health provider asked a series of questions to help understand the symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Treatment
The goal of the treatment is to help an individual be more comfortable and overcome fears. The treatment involves therapy, and medications help control the symptoms during treatment (Murtaza & Scholar, 2020). The drugs are not used to treat the root causes. Therapeutic approaches such as exposure therapy and hypnotherapy are used to help treat the condition.
The standard guidelines to help in the assessment or treatment process
The guideline for treating the condition is to help reprogram the connection so that the negative emotions do not result in anticipation of failure. This is an important approach toward reducing the risks associated with developing debilitating effects.
Elizabeth Gonzalez
23 hours ago, at 8:28 PM
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A Clinical Case
Clinical Case Summary
A 25-year-old male has come to the clinic because he is having difficulty in his new job at a consulting firm. He has difficulty giving presentations due to a fear of embarrassing himself and worries that his peers will think less of him. As a result, he has passed up multiple lead roles and potential promotion. However, he does not have the same difficulty in small work and social groups.
Patient’s Problems and Prioritization
Patient’s problems should be prioritized based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient’s life.
· The patient’s fear of giving presentationsshould be given the highest priority, as this is the symptom that is mostsignificantly impacting his ability to function in his job: Given the patient’sdifficulty in presenting to peers and the potential promotion and lead roles hehas passed up due to his fear, this should be the highest priority.
· The Patient’s difficulty in interacting in awork setting: The patient’s anxiety in work settings has led to him passing uppotential opportunities for advancement. This should be addressed in order tohelp the patient to be successful in his job.
· The patient’s fear of embarrassing himself infront of his peers: The patient’s fear of embarrassment is preventing him fromfeeling comfortable in his job and is causing him to feel anxious and stressed.This should be addressed in order to help the patient to overcome his fear andto be successful in his job.
Diagnosis and Rationale
The patient meets the criteria for a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD). This ailment is characterized by an excessive worry about how others may evaluate or shame you in social or performance settings, as described in the DSM-5 (Rose & Tadi, 2021). The patient’s fear of giving presentations and his fear of embarrassing himself in front of his peers are indicative of SAD. Additionally, the patient’s difficulty in work settings could be due to the anxiety and stress he is feeling as a result of his fear of embarrassment.
Differential Diagnosis
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are two further conditions that may need to be evaluated. Excessive concern and future anxiety are hallmarks of generalized anxiety disorder, while unpredictable bursts of fear are the hallmark of panic disorder and anticipatory anxiety (Rose & Tadi, 2021). The patient’s fear of embarrassing himself and his difficulty in work settings could be indicative of either of these disorders. To differentiate between these diagnoses, a detailed assessment of the patient’s symptoms and history should be conducted.
Test or Screening Tools
To help identify the correct diagnosis, the patient should be evaluated using appropriate screening tools such as the Social Anxiety Disorder Scale (SAD-S) or the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). These tools will assist in assessing the intensity of the patient’s symptoms and determining whether or not they fulfill the diagnostic criteria for SAD.
Treatment
The treatment for SAD characteristically comprises an amalgamation of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy for SAD that focuses on helping the patient to challenge and change his negative thought patterns and behaviors (Butler et al., 2021). Additionally, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be used
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Standard Guidelines
The treatment recommendations for SAD are based on the guidelines set out in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 outlines the diagnostic criteria for SAD as well as the recommended treatment options, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Additionally, the American Psychological Association provides guidelines for the use of psychotherapy for SAD.