Wednesday, March 16, 2011

panic disorder

A 22 years old single female without past medical or psychiatric case presented to A/E complaining of a 3 years history of episodic anxiety,increasing over the last 6 month. she describe the anxiety episode as a sudden episode of anxiety, dizziness, abdominal distress, and fear of losing control, which would self resolve after 5-10 minute.The anxiety attack occurred 2-3 times per weeks.The women denies noting any specific triggers for her anxiety.She also worried about having any additional attack and fear being outside alone.

1) what is the most likely diagnosis for this patient
    - panic disorder with agoraphobia

2) list 4 other related symptoms that would further support your diagnosis above
    - ask about it is she has :
      - palpitation
      - nausea,numbness(paraesthesia)
      - intense fear of dying or being crazy
      - choking,chest pain,chills
      - flushing,SOB,sweating,shaking
      - depersonalization,derealization

3) In relation to her anxiety symptoms give 2 differential diagnosis
    - substance induce anxiety disorder (amphetamine,caffaine,alcohol)
    - anxiety disorder secondary to general medical condition (hyperthyroidism,anemia,hypoglycemia)

4) Give principle management for this patient
    acute initial treatment of anxiety
    - give benzodiazepin and dose should tapered as treatment with SSRI is started
    - give paroxetin(paxil) and setraline(zoloft) for maintenance treatment and continue for 8-12 month
    - insight oriented psychotherapy
    - family therapy
    - cognitive therapy(identify and decrease the irrational thought that reinforce panic attack)
    - behavioral therapy(flooding and implosion)
    - supportive psychotherapy(listening,ventilation,explanation,advice,reassurance,suggestion)

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