Question

A 23-year-old woman presents due to palpitations, numbness, shortness of breath, and sweating. She reports that these episodes have been occurring once or twice a week for the past several months and that she cannot discern any consistent pattern or trigger. Although the symptoms occur seemingly at random and independent of social situations, she reports that she has begun to limit her social interactions due to fear of experiencing these symptoms in public. Which mental health condition is most likely contributing to her symptoms?

A) Panic disorder
B) Social anxiety disorder
C) Generalized anxiety disorder
D) Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer 1

The most likely mental health condition contributing to the 23-year-old woman's symptoms of palpitations, numbness, shortness of breath, and sweating is Panic disorder, as the episodes are unexpected and cause fear of recurring symptoms in public situations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms reported by the 23-year-old woman, including palpitations, numbness, shortness of breath, and sweating, which are occurring without a discernible pattern or trigger, suggest she is experiencing panic attacks.

The additional information that she has started to avoid social situations due to a fear of experiencing these symptoms in public supports the likelihood of Panic disorder (Option A) being the contributing mental health condition. Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear along with physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.