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Panic Disorder Treatment Plan

Panic Disorder (PD) is a very common anxiety disorder.  It presents as recurrent, sudden, and unexpected occurrences of anxiety and fear that can extend for several minutes at a time. Unfortunately, it is often incorrectly diagnosed due to the physical causes and presentation. PD can have a tremendous negative effect on the quality of life and the ability to complete activities of daily living (Locke et al., 2015)................... Continue

Diagnostic Criteria

The American Psychiatric Association created an assessment scale called the DSM-5 Severity Measure for Panic Disorder – Adult to assist providers in properly diagnosing patients with PD (Locke et al., 2015). The patient must be positive in four different areas.  The patient must exhibit a minimum of four of 13 listed symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, a choking sensation, chest uneasiness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness/lightheaded sensations, paresthesia, derealization, or anxiety of dying (Locke et al., 2015).................... Continue

Treatment

There are no laboratory tests that are specific to diagnosing PD, however, as the provider, I would order basic labs to rule out possible physical illnesses that are causing any presenting symptoms.................... Continue

Education

Side effects of Citalopram include QT prolongation resulting in new cardiac arrythmias, therefore additional EKGs may be ordered to observe rhythm changes and heart rate in addition to repeat labs to check serum magnesium and potassium (Research, 2019). Additional side effects are headaches, nausea, increase in eating, diarrhea, impotence, and insomnia (Research, 2019).................... Continue