Panic And Anxiety Disorders

A 27-year-old married electrician complains of dizziness, sweating palms, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears of more than 18 months’ duration. He has also experienced dry mouth and throat, periods of extreme muscle tension, and a constant “edgy” and watchful feeling that has often interfered with his ability to concentrate. These feelings have been present most of the time during the previous 2 years...Because of these symptoms the patient has seen a family practitioner, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a chiropractor, and an earnose- throat specialist....He also has many worries. He constantly worries about the health of his parents...He also worries about whether he is a “good father,” whether his wife will ever leave him (there is no indication that she is dissatisfied with the marriage), and whether he is liked by co-workers on the job. Although he recognizes that his worries are often unfounded, he can’t stop worrying. For the past 2 years the patient has had few social contacts because of his nervous symptoms...he sometimes has to leave work when the symptoms become intolerable. (Adapted from Spitzer et al., 2002 pp. 298–300.) From which disorder does he suffer?

• A specific phobia
• Social Phobia
• Conversion disorder
• Generalized anxiety