Psychology Case Study: Analyzing Irene's Anxiety and Treatment

This case study analyzes Irene's anxiety disorder, exploring its symptoms, potential causes, and treatment options. The assignment begins by defining anxiety disorder, specifically focusing on Irene's social anxiety related to her concerns about her weight and social interactions. It then applies the biopsychosocial model to understand the interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors contributing to her condition. The study further outlines various psychological methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and naturalistic observation, that a psychotherapist could employ to diagnose and treat Irene's anxiety. Finally, it suggests a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy sessions, meditation, and potentially family therapy to improve her confidence and coping mechanisms. The paper concludes by providing a list of references used in the analysis.

Psychology: IRENE CASE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Question 1...................................................................................................................................1
Question 2 ..................................................................................................................................1
Question 3...................................................................................................................................1
Question 4...................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

Question 1
Anxiety disorder is classified as a sort of mental disorder in which the person goes
through mixed feelings of fear and anxiety. In this, an individual may feel pressurized enough
and also face fear related to basic factors of life (Wade and Halligan, 2017). Various
environmental as well as genetic factors may act as responsible for anxiety disorder of Irena.
Anxiety can be classified in different types such as social anxiety, generalised, specific or panic
phobias (What are anxiety disorders, 2018). Irena was going through social anxiety disorder
because even though she was with her friends, she was doubtful that they will make a fool of her.
Also, she was little less confident because of her weight. So, she was suffering from social
anxiety disorder. She was fearful and threatened that any disastrous situation can come to her any
time. There are various signs of anxiety disorder such as getting panic, tensed, depression and
Irena was also going through the same (Dawans, Trüg and Heinrichs, 2017). So, with the
involvement of some treatment measures like medication or therapies, a proper treatment can be
provided to Irena.
Question 2
Bio psychosocial model is a framework that involves different genetic, social and
biochemical factors for a better interpretation of the disease (Day, Ehde and Jensen, 2016). If
considered socially, Irena was little insecure because whenever she was with her friends, she was
thinking that they will make a fool of her. Also, she was not having much social connections. If
psychologically, she was undergoing behavioural changes. It was because; she was depressed
and was having lack of confidence. Although, she was capable enough but still, she felt that she
is not able enough to continue any process for long. Also, she was suffering from tension,
headaches and some stomach issues. So, it might also be a reason that there were some
behavioural changes and mood swings. Therefore, it can be considered that because of these
reasons, Irena was undergoing these anxiety issues. Also, she was quite overweight and
therefore, she was depressed because of this.
Question 3
For treatment of anxiety disorder of Irene, various Psychotherapists can use various steps
of scientific methods. For instance: in cognitive and behavioural therapy, psychotherapist first
needs to analyse the problem in detail. A clear problem perspective then therapist proposes
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hypothesis on the basis of research. The result analysis enhances the appropriate measures are
adopted to treat anxiety (Lader 2015). Irene will be require to honestly describe the issues and
thought process which encounter in her mind. Psychotherapist can use Naturalistic observation
method. Under this approach, psychotherapist will try to observe the Irene behaviour deeply.
Psychotherapist will observe her behavioural with other students and in and outside the college.
This analysis will give clarity about the possible causes and treatment policies. The
therapist can use integration of idiographic and nomothetic approach (Schmidt, Perels and
Schmitz, B. 2015). In nomothetic approach, therapist compares the behaviour of Irene by
comparison with others, how she is responding to behaviour and presence of others in college.
On the other hand, in idiographic approach, the behavioural characteristics of Irene will be
discovered to find the triggering factors which are causing the anxiety and fear when Irene enrols
in college.
Question 4
Irene should attend the psychotherapy sessions. These sessions will change the negative
thought process and fear as well as teach Irene to deal and accept these fear and negative
thoughts in a positive direction. Along with psychotherapy, attending regular meditation will
increase the will power (Farmer and Chapman 2016) and concentration of Irene. In the initial
sessions of psychotherapy, we will ask Irene about the problems in details. We will have an
interaction about daily routine and what thoughts click her mind while observing certain day to
day activities. In upcoming session, Irene will be expected to attend group sessions in which she
will be given counselling with other patients. Such step will enhance the confidence and comfort
level of Irene.
In the psychotherapy sessions, we will try that Irene should develop new skills and talent
which could help her in dealing with her fear. Some sessions related to family psychotherapy
will help her mother and close friends to understand the state of Irene so that they can establish a
better understanding and communication with Irene. The cognitive behavioural therapy in
sessions will address the cause of cognitions resulting in anxiety (Farmer and Chapman, 2016)
and how Irene may behave to treat the resulted anxiety.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Day, M. A., Ehde, D. M., & Jensen, M. P., (2016). An empirical investigation of a
biopsychosocial model of pain in multiple sclerosis. The Clinical journal of pain. 32(2).
pp.155-163.
Farmer, R. F., & Chapman, A. L. (2016). Behavioral interventions in cognitive behavior
therapy: Practical guidance for putting theory into action. American Psychological
Association.
Lader, M. (2015). Generalized anxiety disorder. InEncyclopedia of psychopharmacology (pp.
699-702). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Schmidt, M., Perels, F., & Schmitz, B. (2015). How to perform idiographic and a combination of
idiographic and nomothetic approaches. Zeitschrift für Psychologie/journal of
Psychology.
Wade, D. T. & Halligan, P. W., (2017). The biopsychosocial model of illness: a model whose
time has come.
Dawans, B., Trüg, A. and Heinrichs, M., 2017. Effects of social and non-social stress on social
behavior in health and social anxiety disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 83. p.71.
Online
What are anxiety disorders?. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/anxiety-disorders#2-6>.
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