Disorder

Anxiety Disorder Case Study: How a 26-Year-Old Recovered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 27 May 2025

An anxiety disorder is a severe mental illness that produces excessive, persistent worry and fear. Unlike normal stress or transient nervousness, anxiety disorders can get in the way of daily functioning and influence relationships, work capacity, and general well-being. They are persistent and can result in panic attacks, depression, and avoidance behaviour if not treated.

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety disorders are common and may occur in anyone regardless of history.
  
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is excessive, chronic concern over multiple months.
  
• Combined CBT, medication, and mindfulness training can result in full recovery.
  
• Psychotherapy and support from the community significantly improve long-term mental well-being.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

• Restlessness
  
• Muscle tension
  
• Insomnia
  
• Racing heartbeat
  
• Irritability
  
• Difficulty concentrating

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent than most people know. As reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are over 260 million individuals worldwide afflicted by some form of anxiety disorder.

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

One of the most pervasive types is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals who have GAD have persistent worry about everyday life events, such as work, health, and social issues—often with no apparent reason. The worrying lasts for six months or more and interferes with normal functioning.

Real Case Study of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

In this actual anxiety case study, we follow the path of a 26-year-old marketing executive with a diagnosis of GAD. With no history of mental illness, her stressful work and personal issues set into motion a pattern of symptoms of anxiety. This case outlines her experience, the reasons behind her anxiety, the diagnostic process, and her recovery through the combined therapy, medication, and life changes.

If you want to learn how anxiety begins, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated, this case study provides insightful information and hope for healing.

Patient Information

• Age: 26
  
• Gender: Female
  
• Position: Marketing Executive
  
• Background: Single and lives in the city, very career-oriented, no psychiatric history

Cause or History of Anxiety

The patient's anxiety began to build up after she secured a high-stress job with a high-powered marketing company. She initially waved off the symptoms—insomnia, restlessness, and tension—figuring it was stress at work. As deadlines loomed near and workday hours extended longer, however, her mental condition worsened.

Contributing Factors to Anxiety

• Workplace performance anxiety
  
• Social isolation from being single in a new city
  
• Perfectionism and fear of failure
  
• A minor car accident, which was a cause of her daily worry

She began experiencing shortness of breath, tremors, and palpitations in apparently normal situations over time. The symptoms then intruded into her social and professional life, and she visited a doctor.

Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The patient visited a psychiatrist and a licensed clinical psychologist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with extensive clinical assessment and screening instruments like the GAD-7 questionnaire.

Diagnostic Process Involved

• Psychiatric assessment and clinical interview
  
• Exclusion of medical illnesses such as thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency
  
• Application of standardised screening instruments such as GAD-7 and DSM-5 criteria

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Treatment Method

The treatment was multi-disciplinary and included therapy, medication, and lifestyle change. It was not just symptom control but long-term resilience.

Comprehensive Treatment Program Overview

1. Education and Early Stabilisation

• Educated patient on how anxiety works in brain
  
• Introduction to guided meditation and deep breathing
  
• Reduced alcohol and caffeine use
  
• Enhanced sleep hygiene

2. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Worked on recognising irrational thinking and substituting rational thinking
  
• Exposure Therapy: Helped the patient gradually confront social and work phobias
  
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Improved her calmness in high-stress situations

3. Medication

• Regularly prescribed SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – Escitalopram 10 mg/day
  
• Short-term benzodiazepine use for panic attacks (within two weeks)

Improvements and Recovery Timeline

Week 1–2

• Mild SSRI side effects (dizziness, nausea)
  
• Introduction to CBT and breathing exercise
  
• Sleep was a bit improved; shorter work intervals indicated

Week 3–4

• Fewer panic attacks
  
• Improved emotional awareness from regular therapy
  
• Maintained a thought diary to track anxiety patterns

Week 5–8

• Substantial reduction in daily worry
  
• Returned to socialising and weekend activities
  
• Sustained sleep and confidence gain

Weeks 9–12

• Returned to the office full-time
  
• Felt in command during previously anxious situations (e.g., presentations)
  
• Started a weekly workplace mental health discussion group

Our Success

Effect on Patient's Life

By 12 weeks of official treatment, the patient was 70% better in her anxiety symptoms. She felt "emotionally lighter and more focused." Her performance at work improved, and she was complimented by her team leader.

She discontinued the use of short-term drugs and started attending counselling sessions fortnightly to ensure emotional balance.

Family and Community Support

Despite the fact that her own family resided in a different city, frequent online counselling helped to strengthen family support. Her organisation also began wellness programs once she had openly discussed her experience with mental illness, sending a positive ripple effect among workers.

Bottom Line

This case study of Generalized Anxiety Disorder highlights the importance of early treatment, diagnosis, and lifestyle modification in overcoming Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Mental disorders like anxiety disorders are not failures, but they can be cured. With a proper mix of care and support, patients can regain their confidence and quality of life.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.