Scenario 6: Panic Disorder
Background:
A 25-year-old male comes to your clinic after experiencing several episodes of sudden, overwhelming fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. He believes these symptoms are related to his fear of having a serious health condition, but medical tests have ruled out any physical causes. He is increasingly avoiding situations where he feels he might have another panic attack.
Role-Playing Exercise:
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NP’s Role: You will need to assess whether the symptoms align with panic disorder. Use open-ended questions and active listening to understand the frequency and triggers of the attacks. Also, explore the patient’s avoidance behaviors.
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Patient’s Role: The patient is anxious about the possibility of experiencing another panic attack, leading to avoidance of public places or social events.
Discussion Prompts:
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How do you differentiate between panic attacks and other medical conditions that might cause similar physical symptoms (e.g., heart problems)?
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What is the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating panic disorder?
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What strategies can you use to help the patient challenge their avoidance behaviors?
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How might medication (e.g., SSRIs or benzodiazepines) be used in conjunction with therapy for managing panic disorder?
