Final answer:
Dr. Gunther will look for symptoms such as the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, concern about future attacks, and associated behaviors like avoidance. He will use DSM criteria and might consider family history, comorbidity with other psychological issues, and rule out medical causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Gunther is likely to look for a number of key symptoms and signs to determine if Kristin has a panic disorder. Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) would be used as a guide to diagnose panic disorder. He may evaluate the frequency and intensity of her panic attacks, their unpredictability, and whether or not Kristin has a constant concern about future attacks or their consequences, such as losing control, having a heart attack, or "going crazy". He would also look for Kristin's behaviors possibly associated with the attacks, like avoiding certain situations for fear they might induce a panic attack. He might also review any family history of panic disorder, as genetics can play a role in one's predisposition to anxiety disorders.
According to several studies and clinical observations, panic disorder can also be associated with other psychiatric or medical conditions. For instance, heightened noradrenergic function is known to be a significant factor in panic disorder (Charney et al., 1990), and comorbidity with conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (Aikins & Craske, 2001) and major depression (Biederman et al., 2001) are common. In addition, it is important to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the panic attacks. Dr. Gunther might therefore also consider Kristin's physical health and could request medical tests to exclude other potential causes for her symptoms.