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Annual Examination And The Overly Anxious Patient, Janette Jones

Janette S. Jones

Varying degrees of nervousness may be found in patients presenting for gynecologic examination. It is the clinician's role to distinguish typical (expected) anxiety from that which is considered excessive. Extreme stress reactions may occur from a variety of reasons including prior sexual assault, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or intimate partner violence. Approach to care delivery is critical for establishing a trusting relationship. Case study format will be used to discuss stress-reducing techniques during annual examinations.