Mental Health | Anxiety Disorders
Care Plan Library
Introduction
This page is part of the Care Plan Building Library used by GeneralPracticeTraining.com.au.
It is designed to support clinicians and practice teams in recognising, assessing, and managing anxiety disorders in general practice.
Condition Overview
This snippet focuses on anxiety disorders, a group of common mental health conditions that include generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, and panic disorder.
Anxiety disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible with appropriate support. When left untreated, they can significantly affect daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Depression commonly coexists with anxiety.
Care Plan Snippet – Anxiety Disorder Management (Table Format)
Care Plan Details
Item: Mental health care
(May be incorporated into GP Chronic Condition Management Plan – Medicare item 965 where relevant)
Date: [Insert date]
Patient Details
Patient: [Patient name], [DOB], [Contact details]
GP Details
GP: [Doctor name], [Clinic name]
GP Management Plan – Problems / Goals / Treatments / Arrangements
| Area | Patient problem / risk | SMART goal | Key actions and advice | Arrangements and follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive anxiety | Ongoing worry interfering with daily life | Reduce anxiety symptoms within 3–6 months | Assess severity and duration. Differentiate normal anxiety from disorder. Provide education and reassurance. | GP review. Monitoring over time. |
| Panic attacks | Sudden episodes of intense fear | Reduce frequency and fear of panic attacks | Explain panic physiology. Teach breathing and grounding techniques. Develop coping strategies. | Regular review. Consider therapy referral. |
| Avoidance behaviour | Restriction of activities and social withdrawal | Gradually resume avoided activities | Encourage graded exposure. Support behavioural strategies. | Referral for psychological therapy if needed. |
| Functional impairment | Impact on work, study, or relationships | Improve daily functioning | Identify triggers. Address sleep, alcohol use, and stress. Encourage routine and activity. | GP follow-up. Allied health support. |
| Comorbid depression | Increased risk of poor outcomes | Identify and manage early | Screen for depression and self-harm risk. Address both conditions concurrently. | Mental health care planning where appropriate. |
| Medication needs | Persistent or severe symptoms | Achieve symptom control | Consider pharmacotherapy when indicated. Explain benefits and risks. | Medication review and monitoring. |
Not All Anxiety Is a Disorder
Anxiety and fear are normal human responses to stress or danger.
An anxiety disorder is suggested when anxiety is excessive, persistent, distressing, and interferes with daily life, often without a clear or logical trigger.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent fears or worries
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
- Avoidance of feared situations
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are a common symptom of anxiety disorders.
They are sudden episodes of intense fear and may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Choking sensations
- Nausea
Panic attacks can feel life-threatening but are not dangerous. Fear of future attacks may lead to avoidance and further anxiety.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent and excessive worry about multiple areas of life, present most days for at least six months.
Social Phobia
Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often leading to avoidance and isolation.
Specific Phobias
Intense fear of specific objects or situations (eg animals, heights, enclosed or open spaces).
Panic Disorder
Frequent, unexpected panic attacks with ongoing fear of recurrence.
Impact of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can lead to:
- Social isolation
- Reduced work or study performance
- Relationship difficulties
- Coexisting depression
- Increased risk of self-harm or suicide
Early identification and treatment reduce these risks.
Treatment and Recovery
Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Effective options include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Exposure-based therapies
- Anxiety management and relaxation techniques
- Medication, including antidepressants and, in limited cases, benzodiazepines
Treatment plans should be individualised and reviewed regularly.
Review and Follow-up
Regular follow-up is essential to:
- Monitor symptom progress
- Adjust treatment
- Identify comorbid conditions
- Support recovery and relapse prevention
More frequent review may be required during treatment initiation or symptom escalation.
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