Question

Q2. (a) A 50-year-old man reports episodes in which he suddenly and unexpectedly awakens from sleep

feeling a surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. During this time, he feels short of breath and has

heart palpitations, sweating, and nausea. His medical history is significant only for hypertension, which is well

controlled with hydrochlorothiazide. As a result of these symptoms, he has begun to have anticipatory anxiety

associated with going to sleep. What is the most likely explanation for his symptoms? Prepare a diagnostic

formulation of the above mentioned case.​

Answer 1

★ Answer ★

The most likely explanation for the 50-year-old man's symptoms is that he is experiencing panic attacks. The panic attacks are likely occurring in response to the anticipatory anxiety associated with going to sleep. Diagnostic formulation: The patient is a 50-year-old man with a history of hypertension, which is well-controlled with hydrochlorothiazide. He is currently experiencing symptoms of panic attacks, including sudden awakening from sleep with intense fear, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, and nausea. These panic attacks are likely occurring in response to the anticipatory anxiety associated with going to sleep.

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CreativeAB