Care for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic and persistent worry, is highly prevalent in primary care (3-8% annually), more frequent in women, and often underdiagnosed despite its impact on functioning and quality of life. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman, divorced and mother of two children, who comes to the primary care clinic because she is constantly nervous and irritable since her separation, with headache, muscle tension, a feeling of choking, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and continuous worry about family, finances and her health. After assessment according to Marjory Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns, a care plan was developed with the NANDA, NOC and NIC taxonomies (anxiety, ineffective coping and insomnia), with interventions of anxiety reduction, counselling, emotional support and relaxation therapy. The degree of resolution of the case was satisfactory, with a decrease in anxiety, the use of effective coping strategies and improved sleep, underlining the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary and early care from primary care.