Abnormal Psychology
Case Study 4
Bridget Sheehan
Kara shows a clinical significant disturbance in both thoughts and behavior. She experiences
intense fear in social situations, physical symptoms like sweating and a racing heart, and she is
avoiding normal activities, which are all consistent with social anxiety disorder (American
Psychiatric Association, DSM-5-TR). Also, her repetitive nighttime checking ritual suggests she
may additionally have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as she feels she needs to perform
the behavior despite recognizing it as being excessive. Her functioning is affected academically
and socially, indicating dysfunction. Cultural normals may complicate her diagnosis because
some anxiety is considered normal, but Karas level of distress and impairment clearly is
exceeding typical expectations.
Kara’s role as a student leader in a faith community may increase the pressure to appear
composed and still confident. This could make her fear of judgement worse, and make her less
willing to get help because of stigma or higher expectations. Her role as a leader may also make
her feel like she is failing, which can also worsen her anxiety.
Historically, anxiety and compulsive behaviors were very misunderstood and usually attributed
to moral weakness or supernatural causes. Over time, psychological and medical models have
been developed, leading to better evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy
