Question

Module 10 Case Studies

Chapter 11

KT, age 42, presents to the emergency department with a complaint of having a “heart attack”. She reports chest pain, apprehension, trembling, shaking, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Her EKG is normal and she is found not to be experiencing a myocardial infarction. After further exploration, it is discovered that KT has a significant number of life stressors and a family history of anxiety. She is diagnosed with panic disorder.

1. Outline the process that is most likely occurring in this woman’s body.
2. What is the etiology of panic disorder?
3. How do the expected clinical manifestations match what she is presenting?
4. What diagnostic tests could be used?
5. What treatment measures would you anticipate?

Answer 1

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror when there is no real damage. Panic attack can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning.

The etiology of panic disorder are :

* Family history of panic attacks or history

* Major life stress such as death or disease of loved ones

* Accidental events

* Sexual assault

* Smoking or excessive caffeine intake

* Any physical abuse

* Chronic medical conditions

* Family issues such as financial problems

How do the expected clinical manifestations match what she is presenting

BOOK PICTURE	PATIENT PICTURE
Shortness of breadth	Breathing difficulty
Increased heart rate and palpitations	Altered mental status _confusion
Choking feeling	Apprehension
Dizziness	Dizziness
Lightheadedness	_
Nausea	Nausea
Sweating or chills	_
Chest pain or tightness	Chest pain
Shaking and trembling	Shaking and trembling

When compare with book picture and patient picture, it resembles the signs of panic attack.

Diagnostic test could be used

* Routine blood tests

* Electrocardiogram to check heart function

* Mental health examination

* History collection

Treatment measures to be anticipated

Treatment focuses on reducing or eliminating the panic symptoms.

* Cognitive behavioural therapy

* Medication _Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

_Anticonvulsant drugs

_Benzodiazepines

_Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

* Counselling the patient