Case Study 7: A 35-year-old clothing salesman was showing a particularly fussy customer a suit 2 months ago and suddenly began to sweat profusely. His heart started to pound, he felt dizzy, and became fearful that he was about to die. The customer did not notice his condition and continued to question him about the suit in minute detail. The patient, feeling faint, abruptly left the customer and went to lie down in the back of the store. The customer became insulted, complained to the manager, and left. When the manager found the patient he was slumped in a chair in the back room trembling. Approximately 10 minutes later the patient’s symptoms began to subside. He saw his physician the next day who found no evidence of any medical problems. Two weeks later, he had another similar unexpected attack. Since that time he has worried continuously about having another attack. His friends and colleagues have noticed that he is no longer as spontaneous and outgoing as he had been in the past.
The patient is showing clear symptoms of Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder is defined as "...discrete period[s] in which there is the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom. During these attacks, symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and fear of "going crazy" or losing control are present...."
The patient has a few different options to overcome this disorder. The patient can use medication to stop Panic Disorder, but the effects of the medication soon wear off. Not only that, but the medication may also prove to have damaging side effects that do more harm than good. In order to completely overcome this disorder, the patient must undergo psychological treatment. In this way, the patient will be able to "...[accept] the panic attacks as psychological rather than physical..." Unfortunately, there are many people that will not use a psychological method of treatment due to the fact that it takes much time, effort, and, in some cases, money. The long term effects are well worth these sacrifices.
Diagnosis: http://allpsych.com/disorders/anxiety/panicdisorder.html
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9 comments:
wow, a salesman afraid of a costumer?! how strange. I think the psychological treatment would be better too even though it takes time, but the overall result of it can help a person overcome their struggle.
I had the same one as you! and I agree with you diagnosis. Hopefully, this patient will think about the future and decide to go with psychologial treatment.
Very good blog. You explained everythign really well. I hope the patient takes heed to their advice. I give you a 97
Great diagnosis. I learned alot from reading about the disorder. I like the in depth treatment options.
You did very well tying together the disease and the symptoms, but I wish you would have expanded on other ways of treatment. Are there different ones that are effective and just as well accepted by patients?
Good job!
I did not know that some people have panic issues like this so this was interesting to read. I like how you gave the definition of what the disorder is and i like the depth at which you explained the treatment options.
You explained everything very well. The diagnosis was correct and the treatment was very good as well.
I agree with the diagnosis. Explained well! I hope he seeks treatment soon! er...already did!
Good diagnosis. i would hate to be that person. Good ideas for the treatments.
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