WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS – THE NEED OF TRAINING FOR NURSES

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are a common problem in modern society, as the number of people suffering from this type of psychological problems, has grown drastically in recent years. People with anxiety disorders often seek medical specialists for examinations or running tests, due to the physical and psychological discomfort that accompanies the condition. One of the most serious problems that we face is the wrong approach and communication of medical staff to them.Nurses are the type of health care professionals, who most often have to communicate with people with anxiety. The lack of sufficient knowledge and skills to work with people with anxiety disorders complicates all prophylactic and therapeutic activities aimed at this type of patients, whether they are related to their mental or physical health.Practice shows that in Bulgaria this process of developing the communication between the nurse and the patient is troubled and is accomplished incorrectly or ineffective. Many nurses often lack the necessary skills to maintain proper psychological and medical perspective towards patients with anxiety disorders. Misunderstanding and lack of proper approach makes the patient with anxiety to avoid medical assistance and to turn to self-medication, whether it is physiological or psychological problem. That puts him at risk and impedes the healing process in general. Simultaneously, patients with anxiety disorders endure the implementation of various manipulations much more dramatic, as they experience their interventions way more painful and at increased rates of anxiety. As a result, the stress level increases and so does the danger of unlocking an extra mental disorder such as depression, specific phobia, addiction, suicidal action.This study aims to establish awareness among the students specialty "nurse" concerning the characteristics of anxiety disorders, their knowledge and their skills to work with this type of patients. It shows the need to introduce additional classes or independent training for working with people with anxiety disorders in a wider aspect.Specific recommendations have been prepared to correct deficiencies in the education system. They are about the teachers in classes of Medical Psychology, Educational institutions and the subject "Medical psychology" in the Universities.