Based on this short story, what is this patients DSM-5 diagnosis? Janet is a 23-

Question

Based on this short story, what is this patients DSM-5 diagnosis?

Janet is a 23-year-old single, African-American woman who was referred for evaluation by her cardiologist. In the prior 1.5 months, she presented to the emergency room three times for acute complaints of palpitations, shortness of breath, sweats, trembling, and the fear that she was about to die. Each of these events had a rapid onset. The symptoms peaked within minutes, leaving her scared, exhausted, and fully convinced that she had just experienced a heart attack. Medical evaluations done right after these episodes yielded normal physical exam findings, vital signs, lab results, toxicology screens, and electrocardiograms.

The patient reported a total of four such attacks in the prior 6 months, with the panic occurring at work, at home, and while driving a car. She had developed a persistent fear of having other attacks, which led her to take many days off work and to avoid exercise, driving, and coffee on those days. Her sleep quality declined, as did her mood. She avoided social relationships. She did not accept the reassurance offered to her by friends and physicians, believing that the medical workups were negative because they were performed after the resolution of the symptoms. She continued to suspect that something was wrong with her heart and that without an accurate diagnosis, she was going to die.

Janet is currently living with her father and two younger siblings, and reports that the relationships are all strained. She graduated from high school, is working as a telephone operator, and is not dating anyone. She denied depression but appears worried and preoccupied with ideas of having heart disease. She denied psychotic symptoms, confusion, and all suicidality.

Explanation / Answer

Panic Disorder 300.01

(Criteria met for panic disorder than as a panic attack specifier. Comorbidity of agoraphobia can not be established from the story beyond doubt . Even associated hypochondriacal thoughts needs further inquiry. Both of these might be only at the level of behavioral response to panic disorder.)

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