Anxiety disorders: GAD, panic, phobias, OCD, PTSD
Psychiatry · MBBS
Study notes
Patient Story: A 28-year-old software engineer presents to the Emergency Department complaining of sudden chest pain, rapid heart rate, severe sweating, and extreme fear that she is about to die of a heart attack. She says these attacks happen suddenly twice a week without any clear trigger. Examination & Investigations: - Pulse: 110/min (Tachycardia [fast heart rate]) - Blood Pressure: 130/85 mmHg - Electrocardiogram (ECG) [heart rhythm test]: Normal sinus rhythm - Serum Troponin [heart muscle damage biomarker] & Thyroid Function Tests: Normal Diagnostic Reasoning: Because all physical heart and hormonal causes are ruled out, and the patient experiences recurrent, unexpected surges of intense fear with autonomic arousal symptoms (sweating, fast heartbeat), the diagnosis is Panic Disorder. Management Plan: 1. Psychoeducation: Explain to the patient that her brain alarm system is overly sensitive, but she is physically safe. 2. Acute Control: Short-term use of Clonazepam [a fast-acting Benzodiazepine chemical] to reduce severe panic. 3. Long-term Treatment: Start Sertraline [an SSRI medication] to balance brain serotonin levels. 4. Psychotherapy: Referral for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to learn deep-breathing techniques and reframe scary thoughts.