Week 2: Anxiety Disorders

Case Study 2: Hannah, age 55, was in a major car accident 20 years ago during a cross country trip. Ever since, she has been unable to drive on major highways. Although she does drive, she goes to great length to travel only on back roads and scenic routes. She is able to go where she wants but it often takes her much longer to get there than it should.

I believe that Carrie Smith is suffering from acute stress disorder. In her tragic accident, she was exposed to a near death experience that probably caused her great fear. Those are the classic factors in determining if someone has acute stress disorder. She tries to avoid bringing back thoughts of her tragic experience by avoid major highways and taking back roads. I recommend that Carrie see a therapist to talk over the accident and her feelings and slowly have her sit in the passenger seat while being driven on a highway. She will become accustomed to the fact that highways are not as dangerous as she has perceived them to be since her accident, and will slowly overcome her phobia of highways.