Meet Carly, a 32-year-old librarian who suddenly has to deliver a eulogy after her co-worker tragically choked on peanut brittle during the library’s staff meeting. Now overwhelmed with public speaking anxiety, Carly turns to her psychiatric provider for help. In this mock psychiatric case study, we explore how propranolol, a beta blocker, can be used to manage performance anxiety and other anxiety disorders.

Perfect for psychiatric nurse practitioner (psych NP) students, PMHNP board prep, or anyone studying psychiatry, mental health, or psychopharmacology, this case covers everything from diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis to clinical pearls you can use in real-world practice.

We’ll unpack:

• How propranolol works in the brain and body for performance anxiety and other anxiety disorders
• When to use propranolol vs. SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or therapy
• Key DSM-5-TR anxiety disorder criteria for accurate diagnosis
• Side effect profiles, contraindications, and patient counseling tips
• Real-world clinical scenarios to help you ace your psych exams or feel confident in practice

Whether you’re a psychiatric NP student, medical student, or a seasoned clinician brushing up on psychopharmacology, this episode delivers high-yield tips, evidence-based insights, and memorable teaching moments.

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🔍 Diagnosing Performance Anxiety: Key Considerations for Psych NP Students

Pearls and Prep

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Takeaways:

• Carly exhibits performance anxiety related to an upcoming eulogy, indicating potential social anxiety disorder.
• The therapeutic application of propranolol offers immediate relief for performance-related anxiety symptoms.
• Assessing the specific triggers of anxiety is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Carly's social functioning is impacted by her fear of public speaking, emphasizing the importance of targeted therapeutic interventions.
• The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder requires a nuanced understanding of the patient's fears and avoidance behaviors.
• Utilizing screening tools such as the Mini Social Phobia Inventory enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.