Integrative Pathways pp 163-180 | Cite as
A Pathways Approach for an Anxiety Disorder
Abstract
Caregiver stress is a growing problem with an aging population; many spouses are cast in the caregiver role for extended periods. Pre-existing anxiety disorders commonly recur in the face of caregiver stress. This chapter narrates the case of a 71-year-old retired professional woman, serving as caregiver for a husband with dementia. The stress of the caregiver role served to trigger a recurrence of a previously treated anxiety disorder. The case narrative illustrates the value of breath training and heart rate variability biofeedback for the anxiety disorder, as well as an effort to instill sustainable self-regulation skills and lifestyle changes for greater resilience in this long-term situation.
Keywords
Caregiver stress Anxiety disorder Lifestyle medicine Heart rate variability Mindfulness Acceptance and commitment therapyReferences
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