This case study presents the outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy of a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (ICD-10: F41.1). Over the course of 19 sessions, key elements of CBT—such as psychoeducation, worry diaries, exposure techniques, and cognitive restructuring—were applied and adapted to the patient’s personal history and symptom profile. The study includes a structured diagnostic assessment, detailed therapy course, and critical reflection of therapeutic progress.
Developed for the State Examination in Psychological Psychotherapy, this paper provides valuable insight into clinical reasoning, intervention planning, and real-world implementation of CBT techniques. Ideal for psychology students, psychotherapy trainees, and mental health professionals seeking practical orientation.
Table of Contents
- Current Case History
- Biographical and Social History
- Mental Status Examination
- Diagnostics
- Therapy Goals
- Course of Therapy
- Outcome
- Critical Reflection of the Case
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this case study is to present a detailed account of the treatment of a patient diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The study aims to illustrate the application of CBT techniques in an outpatient setting and analyze the outcome of the therapy.
- The impact of childhood experiences on the development of GAD.
- The manifestation of GAD symptoms, including physical and psychological components.
- The effectiveness of CBT in managing GAD symptoms.
- The patient's progress and response to CBT interventions.
- A critical reflection on the therapeutic process and potential limitations.
Chapter Summaries
Current Case History: This chapter introduces the patient, a 39-year-old woman presenting with persistent and excessive worries, lasting several hours daily. Her anxieties center around the potential for serious illness or accidents affecting herself or her family, leading to avoidance behaviors like refusing further medical appointments despite experiencing physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and tingling. The onset of these symptoms dates back to approximately two years prior, and she reports experiencing two panic attacks within the past year. Her anxious and overprotective upbringing is highlighted as a potential contributing factor to her current condition. The patient expresses a desire for a life free of anxiety as her therapeutic goal.
Biographical and Social History: This section delves into the patient's background, revealing an upbringing characterized by her mother's overprotective nature and excessive worrying. The mother's behavior fostered feelings of insecurity, fear, and guilt in the patient, contrasting with a more stable and supportive relationship with her father. Despite a history of shyness and insecurity, the patient has achieved educational and professional success, maintains a stable marriage, and has two children. The chapter highlights her personal resources, including activities like tennis, yoga, and sewing, which offer potential avenues for coping and resilience.
Mental Status Examination: This chapter details the patient's presentation during the initial intake interview. The patient appeared well-groomed, cooperative, and appropriately dressed, though visibly tense. Cognitive functions were generally within normal limits, although she reported concentration difficulties. Her thought processes were coherent but characterized by ruminative worry. While her mood fluctuated between irritability and dejection, emotional reactivity was preserved. Notably, there were no indications of suicidal ideation or acute risk to herself or others.
Diagnostics: This chapter outlines the diagnostic process. The patient underwent the Clinical Psychological Diagnostic System 38 (KPD-38), revealing high levels of psychological distress, corroborating both self-report and clinical observations. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ-D) yielded a significantly above-average score, confirming the clinical impression and supporting the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1).
Keywords
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Childhood Experiences, Overprotective Upbringing, Psychological Distress, Treatment Outcome, Case Study.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this document?
This document serves as a comprehensive language preview, providing an overview of a case study focused on the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It includes the title, table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in this language preview?
The document covers the following topics: current case history, biographical and social history, mental status examination, diagnostics, therapy goals, course of therapy, outcome, and a critical reflection of the case.
What are the main objectives of the case study?
The main objective is to present a detailed account of the treatment of a patient diagnosed with GAD using CBT. It aims to illustrate the application of CBT techniques in an outpatient setting and analyze the outcome of the therapy.
What are the key themes explored in the case study?
Key themes include: the impact of childhood experiences on the development of GAD, the manifestation of GAD symptoms (physical and psychological), the effectiveness of CBT in managing GAD symptoms, the patient's progress and response to CBT interventions, and a critical reflection on the therapeutic process and potential limitations.
What does the "Current Case History" chapter cover?
This chapter introduces a 39-year-old woman with persistent and excessive worries, lasting several hours daily. Her anxieties revolve around potential serious illness or accidents affecting herself or her family, leading to avoidance behaviors. The chapter highlights a potential link between her anxious and overprotective upbringing and her current condition. Her therapeutic goal is to live anxiety-free.
What information is provided in the "Biographical and Social History" chapter?
This section details the patient's background, focusing on her upbringing marked by her mother's overprotective nature and excessive worrying, which fostered insecurity, fear, and guilt. It also highlights her stable marriage, children, and personal resources like tennis, yoga, and sewing.
What does the "Mental Status Examination" chapter describe?
This chapter details the patient's presentation during the initial interview. She appeared well-groomed and cooperative but visibly tense. Cognitive functions were generally normal, but she reported concentration difficulties and ruminative worry. There were no indications of suicidal ideation or acute risk.
What is discussed in the "Diagnostics" chapter?
This chapter outlines the diagnostic process, including the use of the Clinical Psychological Diagnostic System 38 (KPD-38) and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ-D). Results corroborated self-report and clinical observations, supporting the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1).
What are the keywords associated with this case study?
The keywords are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Childhood Experiences, Overprotective Upbringing, Psychological Distress, Treatment Outcome, Case Study.
- Quote paper
- Anonymous (Author), 2020, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1600916
