Willy is a 35 year old divorced man, after five years of marriage, with no children. Discharged from the Army after enlisting at the age of 18, Willy served for ten years. During his post in Afghanistan, Willy witnessed his “best, most trusted friend” (0.45 minutes) harm an unarmed girl, who reminded him of his niece, because she wore her cultural headdress; a hijab. He described his memories of Afghanistan as a moment of “war and genocide” (1:05 minutes) with the ponderous thoughts of “dying in that country” (1:11 minutes) rather than continuing life as usual. As a result, Willy began to reexamine his original perception of the structure, lucidity and integrity offered to others by the military; leading to his disenchanted views. Willy started to experience repetitive feelings of guilt about not interceding or reporting his friend’s act of violence. In turn, Willy had haunting nightmares, panic attacks, agitation and endless worry, which affects his social, work and family life. Willy also expressed the fear of harming others “if” (1:40 minutes) he becomes startled (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012).
Case Conceptualization As indicated, Willy is suffering with an anxiety disorder associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Perry et al. (2007), PTSD is most common amongst those who have experienced an exposure to acts of violence, combat and/or natural disasters. Psychopharmacological treatment for PTSD is typically …show more content…
(2012). Anxiety disorder case study: Willy [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_16261863_1&content_id=_40064024_1
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