Nursing care plan for anxiety disorder

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions where someone experiences frequent and intense anxiety which can cause significant distress and impair their functioning. Nursing care plans for anxiety disorder are developed to help manage symptoms, reduce stress and improve overall functioning.

Assessment

Symptoms: Anxiety disorders can present with different clusters of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the particular condition but common symptoms include shortness of breath, racing heart, restlessness, agitation, irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, rumination and fear of the future.

Behavioral and Emotional Changes: Anxiety disorders can lead to depression and other psychological concerns, as well as changes in behavior. These can include avoidance of activities that one used to enjoy, withdrawal from friends and family, exaggeration of worries, avoidance of certain topics and situations, feelings of guilt or shame, and feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks.

Nursing Diagnosis

The primary nursing diagnosis for someone with an anxiety disorder is:

• Ineffective Coping – related to the presence of anxiety disorder.

Secondary nursing diagnoses may include:

• Risk for Social Isolation – due to changes in personal relationships.
• Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output – related to the effects of anxiety on cardiovascular system.
• Ineffective Health Maintenance – due to self-neglect or avoidance of medical care.

Outcomes

The goal of a nursing care plan for anxiety disorder is to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning by helping someone engage in adaptive behaviors, exercise effective coping and problem solving strategies, and minimize negative emotions.

Interventions

Interventions for nursing care plans for anxiety disorder depend on the particular condition, severity of symptoms, and any co-occurring conditions. Examples of interventions include:

• Psychoeducation about the condition.
• Relaxation techniques including diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Stress management strategies.
• Exercise and physical activity.
• Improving sleep hygiene.
• Social connections andsupport.

Rationales

The rationale for interventions in a nursing care plan for anxiety disorder is to address the underlying physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the person. Interventions should also focus on developing healthier thought patterns, behaviors and coping strategies.

Evaluation

Evaluation of a nursing care plan for anxiety disorder should involve:

• Assessing progress towards goals.
• Monitoring symptom severity and level of functioning.
• Identifying any additional needs.
• Reviewing current medications.
• Making adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

A nursing care plan for anxiety disorder can help identify ways in which a person can improve their functioning and manage symptoms. It can also help them develop coping strategies and make lifestyle changes that can reduce symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.

FAQs

• What is nursing care plan for anxiety disorder? – A nursing care plan for anxiety disorder is an individualized plan of care developed to help manage symptoms, reducing stress and improve overall functioning.
• What are the common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders? – Common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders include shortness of breath, racing heart, restlessness, agitation, irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, rumination and fear of the future.
• What are the treatments for an anxiety disorder? – Treatments for anxiety disorders include different types of talk therapy, stress-management techniques, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques and medications.
• How can I help someone with an anxiety disorder? – Ways you can help someone with an anxiety disorder include providing a supportive environment, helping them to stay connected with friends and family, learning about their disorder, helping them access treatment and encouraging them to seek professional help if needed.
• What are some coping strategies for anxiety disorder? – Strategies for coping with anxiety disorder may include diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical activity, improving sleep hygiene and social connections.