Medical and Non-Medical Strategies for Supporting Recovery of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
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1NURSING ASSIGNMENT
PART B:
Evaluate the use of medical and non-medical strategies for supporting the recovery of a
person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Your analysis must include the role of the
nurse in these interventions.
Research studies indicate that anxiety disorders can effectively be treated with the use
of psychopharmacological as well as cognitive behavioural therapies (Stein & Sareen, 2015).
It should be mentioned in this context that the interventions aim different targeted symptoms.
Therefore, it is important to make use of a strategic combination of different treatment
interventions so as to improve the outcome of the symptoms and at the same time improve
the quality of life of the affected individuals.
As stated by Nathan and Gorman (2015), the first line psychotherapeutic interventions
are used for managing the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Research
studies suggest that the administration of cognitive behavioural therapy is effective in treating
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy typically uses a
combination of different therapeutic interventions. The key elements covered in the therapy
comprises of imparting education about psychological wellbeing, exposure to worries and
insecurities, inducing relaxation and incorporating a problem solving approach. In addition to
these, the therapy also incorporates the components of cognitive restructuring as well as the
consideration of interpersonal psychotherapy (Cuijpers et al., 2014). The most important
aspect of the cognitive behavioural therapy makes use of the exposure procedures directed to
individuals. Research studies mention that the cognitive behavioural therapy follows a
person-centred approach and makes use of a minimum of 12-20 sessions in order to bring
about an improvement in the quality of symptoms (Marganska et al., 2013). While dealing
with children who are affected with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the central focus of the

2NURSING ASSIGNMENT
therapy is on the child and the immediate care providers. The therapeutic routine is similar to
that of adults and makes use of components such as psycho-education, training to improve
coping skills and in vivo exposure to positive thought content.
In addition to this, the administration of Cognitive Therapy (CT) has also been found
to elicit positive effect on the deteriorating symptoms of the patient. It is important to note
here that the Cognitive therapy differs from the cognitive behavioural therapy and focuses on
the objective evaluation of the anxious through content of the affected individuals (Paxling et
al., 2013). Also, variations of cognitive behavioural therapy such as pure cognitive therapy,
meta-cognitive therapy and cognitive restructuring are used as therapeutic interventions to
treat patients who are suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The
administration of cognitive therapy also involves a person-centred approach and the treatment
extends over 15-20 sessions (Paxling et al., 2013).
In this context, it should be mentioned that the technique of Applied Relaxation
includes imparting education to the patient about coping skills to manage their anxiety. The
coping skill helps in promoting quick relaxation and enables the patient to manage their
reactions related to anxiety in a better manner (Baer, 2015). It is important to note in this
context, that the applied relaxation theory is different from the relaxation theory and makes
use of anxiety provoking situations so as to promote tranquillity and relaxation among the
affected individuals. This treatment is also person-centred in approach and extends over 15
sessions. While dealing with minors who are suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD), parents are educated not to foster the anxious temperament of the children. It is
critical to note in this context that while dealing with children and adolescents aged in
between 6 to 17 years, a family centred approach is adapted (Lissek et al., 2014). Also, while
dealing with adolescents, making use of group therapy has also been reported to have positive
effect. The therapeutic session for minors include a treatment package of approximately 12-