Treatment for Anxious Depression: A Case Study of a 20-Year-Old
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Authors
Sabala, Sophia
Issue Date
2022-05-02
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Anxiety--Treatment , Depression, Mental--Treatment , Cognitive therapy
Alternative Title
Abstract
The following is a de-identified case study on the treatment process and outcome for a 20-yearold
pregnant LatinX female diagnosed with anxious depression. Names and other details of the
case have been changed to preserve confidentiality. The name “Nicole” is used to refer to the
client within this document. Nicole is a full-time college student who presented with moderate to
severe depressive and anxious symptoms that impacted her ability to function at home and
academically. Consistent with the literature on empirically supported treatments for anxious
depression, this therapist utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist Nicole in learning skills
to effectively manage and reduce her symptoms. The interventions included psychoeducation on
depression, lifestyle changes, and cognitive restructuring. This EST Case Study reviews the
relevant scientific literature of theoretical models used to conceptualize etiology and
maintenance of symptoms, an overview of treatment modalities used to treat symptoms, along
with empirical support for those interventions. This is followed by client-specific descriptions of
the initial interview and formal assessments used to clarify diagnosis, development of a treatment
plan, implementation of treatment interventions, and measures of treatment progress. A
transcription of one complete session is included to provide a glimpse into Nicole’s presentation
and offer insights into how this therapist processed session content to make informed decisions
regarding implementation of treatment interventions. Reflections on strengths and areas for
improvement regarding the therapist’s skills are also discussed. In brief summary, Nicole
regularly attended 15 sessions over 5 months. Her adherence to homework assignments was
fairly consistent. She implemented therapeutic techniques, such as developing a healthier diet,
improving sleep hygiene, and engaging in cognitive restructuring. At the conclusion of the fivemonth
EST Case Study, Nicole had made small treatment gains and was somewhat more effectively managing her symptoms. Treatment was expected to continue beyond the writing of this report.
Description
An Empirically Supported Treatment Case Study
Citation
Publisher
Washburn University