What are the key symptoms of GAD that you should assess further in this scenario? What are some non-pharmacological interventions you can suggest? How can you introduce the idea of therapy (such as CBT) in a way that feels less overwhelming for the patient?
Scenario 1: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Background:
A 35-year-old woman presents for her routine check-up. During the visit, she discloses that she has been feeling increasingly anxious for the past 6 months, particularly about her job performance and family responsibilities. She reports constant worry, trouble sleeping, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension and irritability.
Role-Playing Exercise:
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NP’s Role: You are the Nurse Practitioner conducting a follow-up visit with this patient. Start the conversation by building rapport and asking open-ended questions to gather more details about her anxiety.
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Patient’s Role: The patient expresses her worries and symptoms. She is hesitant about taking medication but is open to discussing therapy options.
Discussion Prompts:
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What are the key symptoms of GAD that you should assess further in this scenario?
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What are some non-pharmacological interventions you can suggest?
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How can you introduce the idea of therapy (such as CBT) in a way that feels less overwhelming for the patient?
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How would you assess the patient’s readiness for change?
