Final answer:
The most appropriate management for a 30 year old female with severe generalized anxiety disorder includes psychotherapy, potential pharmacotherapy, and other supportive measures like stress management. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications like SSRIs or SNRIs are recommended for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate management for a 30 year old female with a 1 year history of severe anxiety that affects multiple aspects of her life is a comprehensive treatment plan. This should include a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and pharmacotherapy if indicated. With a GAD 7-item scale score of 15, she is experiencing severe anxiety which could significantly impair her daily functions. Studies, such as those by Martens et al. (2010), demonstrate the potential cardiovascular risks associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in patients, underscoring the importance of effective management. Psychotherapeutic interventions are essential in addressing the cognitive aspects of GAD, as highlighted by Aikins and Craske (2001), and pharmacotherapy, including the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be beneficial in managing the physiological symptoms.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders in the U.S., and without proper treatment, they can lead to significant impairment in occupational and social functioning, as found in studies by Moitra et al. (2011). Given that stressors can often be modified to improve the individual's situation, adjunctive interventions such as stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and support groups can also be beneficial in reducing the severity of anxiety symptoms.