Types of Anxiety: Video case studies applied to DSM-5

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Sep 082018
 

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But that’s just my free-floating general anxiety in life. 

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HELLO FELLOW B-LISTERS!!  This week, as we continue with our write-ups and (free) videos regarding DSM-5 diagnoses that are found in the records of our students labeled “emotionally disturbed” (Oh, how I hate that term… How about “emotionally challenged” or “emotionally readjusting”?) or “other health impaired” (U.S. terms).  Given the 3-day weekend in the U.S. (celebrating our labor force), let’s give you the remainder of the anxiety videos.  If you’re reading this B-List blast from out side the states, you’ll have to cram it all in during your shorter weekend.

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Before you binge watch these videos related to anxiety disorders, do be aware that you can find the previous weeks’ blasts (Murphy’s Law as applied to behaviour, ODD, ADHD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder) at: http://www.behavioradvisor.com/blog-3/   You’ll need to scroll down through the listing to find the one you’d like to read. (My tech help went off to college, so we’re stuck with this set-up until I find another teen tech wiz.)

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OVERVIEW: All anxiety disorders have the same derivation: An irrational (to others) fear of something; a perception of a threat to their physical or psychological comfort/safety.

This week, I’ll let the videos do the talking. (Too late?)  Each will provide you with the case study of a hypothetical youngster.  Then the characteristics of that learner will be compared to the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual structure for that disorder.  That part is then followed by suggestions for intervention.

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These videos (made by my wonderful graduate students in my teacher training program in the area of mental health and behavior disabilities) would serve well for short staff professional development sessions.  Professors could make use of them in classes.  Parents of children/youth with these conditions would become more informed.  Spread the informational  wealth!

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So, without further ado, this week’s videos can be found at the following links:

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Agoraphobia (with panic attacks) – (2 parts based on the criteria of DSM-IVtr, an  earlier version of DSM)

                Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FphWF2yTX3E

                Part 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDZVuz8aAGA

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (last week’s video) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_lZvBtpkys

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Uia0UOGkE

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Selective Mutism – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A29zj0LdauM

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Separation Anxiety – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldJ7ocs0gE0

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Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwEh0rh94XQ

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Social Phobia (the Social Anxiety Disorder diagnosis when it had a different name & slightly different criteria under the previous DSM manual)

                Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHiEKwGNoVI

                Part 2 –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdmjXMuJnSM

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PTSD (Post Tramatic Stress Disorder in children) – Let’s save this one for next week’s mailing. 

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Interventions

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Early and intensive provision of emotional support services is mandatory.  Support from parents, school, and peers is essential.  These supporters will most likely need to be trained so that they can be truly therapeutic in their assistance, and avoid inadvertantly heightening the after-effects of the trauma.Most importantly, the supporters of this youngster must work as a team to establish feelings of being safe and protected in the aftermath of happenings that have created doubt of that safety and security. Therapy sessions by well-trained individuals should allow the youngster to play, draw, write or talk freely about the event.  Reflective listening strategies help the youngster to continue addressing the emotional challenge in a supportive environment. 
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How we phrase things when talking with anxiety-impacted kids can heighten or lower the perception of a threat.
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When the tides of life turn against you… And the waves upset your boat… 
Don’t think of the way things might have been… Just lay on your back and float!
Art Carney (famous comedic actor talking to Jackie Gleason on the old “Honeymooners” TV show)

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Other sometimes-indicated interventions include behavior modification techniques that promote “desensitization” (engaging in progressive goals that reduce the frequency and intensity of the negative recollections), and cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches the child to reframe the events in a manner that helps to reduce fears and worries.
 
 
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Medication can also contribute to a lessening of anxiety, and ability to benefit from counseling as the youngster deals with the emotional after-effects of the trauma.  Some of the common prescription meds are: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that stop recycling thoughts), antidepressants, and Bensodiazepines (anti-anxiety/sedatives).Bibliotherapy and play therapy are often utilized.

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How to talk with kids in a manner that reduces anxiety & builds positive relationships

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Freebie for you and your kids with anxiety: Knowing that her teachers needed to decompress after their work day, Dr. Donia Fahim (“Dr. Donia”), a former colleague of mine in our Department of Special Education at Hunter College would start and end her evening graduate classes with a short relaxation session.  I asked her to make an audio recording for me.  She was kind to do so.  To listen to this free 11 minute audio,  here’s the link https://youtu.be/2Mbg9BXNweQ.  Call it up, close your eyes, and fl oat away.

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 GLOSSARY

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing apparent to provoke it.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called “rituals,” however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
  • Panic Disorder
    Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
  • Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
    Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation – such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others – or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.”

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Dr. Mac

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Tom McIntyre, Ph.D. (Dr. Mac)

Professor of Special Education and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Behavior Disorders

Hunter College of the City University of New York

DoctorMac@BehaviorAdvisor.com

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