MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans a year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009). Anxiety can have a variety of negative health affects, and there is a stigma associated with seeking help. Disorders can manifest themselves in many ways, but generally produce nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. This document will cover several specific designations of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. The document will also discuss the available treatment literature in the field, and provide resources for those struggling with anxiety. Finally, alternative natural treatments and their unreliable efficacy will be discussed. A summarized version of this document will be posted online so as to provide a reliable source for those seeking information about anxiety on the internet.

Reader’s profile:
Considering this is a lay audience who is seeking information about anxiety disorders, there will probably be two possible audience members: the person suffering from anxiety who is finally desperate enough to seek information and help, and the person who thinks they may be suffering from anxiety but is skeptical of Western treatments and medications. The latter audience member may believe in “toughing it out” and natural remedies. For the first type of audience, I need to present the information in a clear and concise manner so they can confirm that they are suffering from anxiety and look into possible treatments. For the second type of audience, I must be explicit with the treatment options and attempt to limit stigma. They may benefit from some evidence that natural remedies have proven to not be effective in treating anxiety.

Reader’s response:

Reader type 1: I definitely have an anxiety disorder, but I don’t know where to begin to seek treatment. How does my insurance work with affording a therapist? How do I find therapists in my area?

Reader type 2:
Well it’s sounding like I might have generalized anxiety disorder, but it’s very mild. I think it’s manageable. I don’t trust therapists and they’re too expensive. I’ll just take some magnesium and St. John’s Wort.

L, if this grows too large, how will you trim? Consult with me next week, if you need to.

Can you answer this objection in part by suggesting that medication can be temporary, especially for mild to moderate cases, when paired with CBT, group therapy, mindfulness, exercise....that medicine can help a patient over a rough patch?