A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Case Study for Emotional Difficulties With Sickle Cell Disease

This case study describes a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach to working with an adolescent experiencing emotional difficulties including anxiety and stress, related to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The intervention incorporates CBT principles to develop a formulation, provide psychoeducation on anxiety and further skills to manage stress. It was hypothesised that by doing so, CBT would prove to be an effective intervention to manage the emotional difficulties linked with SCD. Throughout, identity and stigmatising attitudes are discussed, incorporating wider systemic factors into the intervention. Outcomes support the hypothesis, indicating that CBT is effective in reducing anxiety and the client was able to manage further stress and worry. These findings are discussed in relation to the evidence base.