Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder

This article discusses the difference between Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. It also highlights the importance of empathy in establishing a therapeutic relationship with the patient and the communication skills required by the graduate nurse to interview the patient. Additionally, it provides key information about Paroxetine 20mg PO that has been prescribed to the patient.

[mental Health Nursing]
2019

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Question 1
This question is highlighting the concept of Generalised Anxiety Disorder and how it
is different from the Panic Disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is considered by insistent and extreme worry regarding
different things. People suffering from this disorder may forestall disaster and can be highly
worried about family, health, work, and many other issues. Individual with the Generalized
Anxiety Disorder find it tough to hand their issues or worries. The level of their stress and
concern is higher than the actual intensity of the event or may suppose the worst situation
even when there is no seeming motive for concern (Web MD LLC., 2019). GAD can be
treated when an individual finds it tough to handle worries anymore and is suffering from
three or more symptoms. This distinguishes GAD from normal worry that can be particular to
the set stressor or for more time. Besides this, considering the difference between GAD and
panic disorder it must be noticed that GAD and panic disorder share few of the common
symptoms, like extreme worrying about any event or situation, but are two distinct mental
health circumstances (Healthline, 2018). But, it is very important for the patient and their
family members to gain the knowledge regarding both the disorders as they can take worst
form. Panic disorder is considered by recurrent, unforeseen panic attacks that takes place
without the existence of actual hazard. According to the definition of the "Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders," panic attack is the unexpected occurrence of
penetrating fear during at least four of the specified psychological and physical symptoms
that are excessive sweating, choking feeling, hot or chills flashes, pounding heart, shaking or
trembling of body, feelings of unreality, fear of dying, heart palpitations, accelerated heart
rate, discomfort or chest pain, tingling sensations, shortness of breath feeling, getting faint,
feeling dizzy, etc. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2018).

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Generalised Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder
Sleep trouble, muscle tension, and fatigue Feeling of getting detached from yourself and
feeling of unreality
Digestive Issue shortness of breath feeling and accelerated
heart rate
Excessive worry related to all the events
that occur (Ankrom, 2019)
Repeating panic attacks
Impaired concentration Trembling, shaping, and chest pain
Worrisome thoughts Losing control and fear of going insane
Irritability Increasing concern for the future event or
activity (Helpguide, 2019)
From the above analysis, it could be concluded that Generalised Anxiety Disorder and
Panic Disorder are different from each other, but is always been confused due to some
common symptoms.
Question 2
The intent of this section of the essay talks about how empathy helps in establishing a
therapeutic relationship with Peter in consideration to the case study.
Empathy is an attribute important for doctor and nurse professionals. The empathic
attitude, talks about the capability of right opinion of the verbal and non-verbal signals
directed by the patient and it is also called as the capability to assess the internal status of the
patient. This skill is considered to be very important that is needed while communicating with

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other person (Austin, 2019). Understanding the perception and issue of the by maintaining
the deeper interpersonal relationship between the nurse and patient highlight the true,
effective, as well as mutual corporation between the participants of the treatment. In
consideration to the case study, Empathy will support the graduate nurse in establishing and
maintaining the therapeutic relationship with Peter because it will inspire him to uncover and
express his emotions and feelings in a detailed manner that teaches him on how to deal with
the personal emotions and feelings. It is very essential portion of the care of the Peter who is
a patient because the therapeutic relationship covered with empathy regulates and define the
quality of the care that is being received. It is also considered to be an element of the personal
development for the Peter and for the nurse as well as physician responsible to take care of
the patient. Even, according to Czytelnia Medyczna (2009), effective empathy driven by the
verbal communication, converts into the main therapeutic tool in few of the circumstances.
This is majorly related and important with the patients like Peter suffering from generalized
anxiety disorder, terminal states, poor prognosis, surgical interventions, and chronic illness.
Under these specified cases, doctors or physician and nurse are anticipated to work on
reducing the level of anxiety that can be done through verbal communication and emotional
company that is mostly directed and initiated by the patient. On the other side, this type of
relationship must satisfy the cognitive demand of the patient whereas it also becomes the
evidence of deep understanding regarding the disease or imminent death means to the patient
(Easterbrook & Meehan, 2019). Therefore, it has been raised that nurses as well as doctors
must be taught about how to maintain empathy with their patient and empathy also
determines effective communication.
The above section has discussed regarding how empathy establish a therapeutic
relationship between a patient and his physician or nurse. From the analysis, it can be

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concluded that empathy is one of the major element that is used for the patient’s personal
development as well as for the development of nurse.
Question 3
This section of the essay is discussing about what communication skills are required
by the graduate nurse to interview Peter.
Effective Verbal Communication – The effective verbal communication skills helps
nurse in breaking the ice by interacting with the patient related to some small things. The
graduate nurse needs to know how to interact properly with Peter such that he can explore his
feelings and problems. Self-disclosure is sometimes said to be the unfamiliar territory for few
of the patient, whereas some may not have the vocabulary to define how they feel (AUSMED
Education Pvt Ltd., 2019). Therefore, a nurse must have the skills to communication properly
by understanding the issues and problems faced by the patient and for which the nurse has to
make the patient that is Peter to come out of their restrictive behaviour and open up to get the
proper treatment.
Interpersonal skills – The graduate nurse must develop the interpersonal skills such
that she can maintain a therapeutic relationship with Peter and help him in solving his issue.
By practicing interpersonal skills, the nurse can also learn how to care, show kindness
towards the patient, and compassion while obtaining and providing data or information to the
patient. Besides this, the nurse must be capable enough to validate an interest level in the
collaborative relationship. This will support Peter in feeling accepted and nurturing trust in
the physician.
Written Communication – Written communication skill is considered to be very
important for the nurse to nurture in order to have a clear and concise understanding by the

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patient. Besides this, written communication is considered to be important for the nurse to
nurse communication (Melissa, 2019). The graduate nurse must ensure that it provide clear
written communication to Peter in order to make easy and concise understanding. The Nurse
must have knowledge of grammar and must use abbreviations and terminologies that are
universally approved.
Active Listening – Active listening is also considered to be important because without
properly listening to the concern of the patient the nurse or a physician cannot prescribe any
medication or medicine. In fact, it has been said that people must not listen to respond but
they must listen to understand.
The above section has discussed regarding the communication skills that are
important for the graduate nurse to interact with Peter. From the analysis, it has been
identified that in order to know in detail about the issue that Peter is dealing with there is
need of effective communication skills and some of the skills that are needed are effective
verbal communication, active listening, written communication, interpersonal communication
skill, etc.
Question 4
This section of the essay is highlighting the key information that is important for the
nurse to tell to Peter about Paroxetine 20mg PO that has been prescribed to be taken in the
daily basis.
The Peter must be informed that Paroxetine drug is generally prescribed by the
physician or nurse to treat the panic attacks, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder,
depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It works by supporting in restoring the
balance of some of the natural substance in the brain. Paroxetine 20mg PO is also considered

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as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Web MD, 2019). This medicine can help the
patient in improving the sleep, energy level, appetite, and mood and may support in restoring
the patient’s interest in the daily life. It will help in reducing the feeling of anxiety,
unwelcomed thoughts, fear, and increasing number of panic attacks. It may also help Peter in
decreasing the need to perform recurrent tasks that affect the daily life operations (Medicines,
2019). Considering the age factor of Peter, he must be informed about the dosage of the drug
by the graduate nurse. As per the description, Peter must be allowed to take one dose of this
drug every day. This age group people must be allowed to take the lowest dose that is
effective for them (Healthline, 2019). The typical starting dose of this drug is 20 mg per day
that has been allowed to Peter to take as it will help him in reducing the symptoms of
generalized anxiety disorder.
The above section has provided the detailed knowledge of what information that the
graduate nurse must provide to Peter while prescribing the Paroxetine 20mg PO medicine.
From the above analysis, it has been identified that Peter has right to know the exact detail
that this drug helps in overcoming the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder with the
limited daily dosage of 20 mg.

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References
Ankrom, S. (2019). Differences Between Panic Disorder and GAD. Retrieved from
https://www.verywellmind.com/panic-disorder-vs-gad-2584211
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2018). Panic Disorder. Retrieved from
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder
AUSMED Education Pvt Ltd. (2019). Communication Skills. Retrieved from
https://www.ausmed.com/guides/communication-skills
Austin, M.W. (2019). Empathy in Health Care. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ethics-everyone/201903/empathy-in-
health-care
Czytelnia Medyczna. (2009). Empathy in the therapeutic relationship between the physician,
nurse, and patient. Retrieved from http://www.czytelniamedyczna.pl/1074,empathy-
in-the-therapeutic-relationship-between-the-physician-nurse-and-patient.html
Easterbrook, C.J., & Meehan, T. (2019). The Therapeutic Relationship and Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy: A Case Study of an Adolescent Girl With Depression. The
European Journal of Counselling Psychology, 6(1).
Healthline. (2019). Paroxetine, Oral Tablet. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/paroxetine-oral-tablet#other-warnings
Healthline. (2018). What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-
attack#takeaway

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Helpguide. (2019). Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks. Retrieved from
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-disorders-and-anxiety-attacks.htm
Medicines. (2019). Paroxetine 20 mg Tablets. Retrieved from
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4168/smpc
Melissa. (2019). 10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills for Success. Retrieved from
https://www.nursechoice.com/traveler-resources/10-essential-nurse-communication-
skills-for-success/
Web MD LLC. (2019). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved from
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorder#1
Web MD. (2019). Paroxetine Hcl. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-
6969-9095/paroxetine-oral/paroxetine-oral/details

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