A 32-Year-Old Lady Arrives to the Office with Severe Worry

A 32-year-old lady arrives to the office with severe worry and tension. The patient is an accountant who has been under growing job-related stress for the past 6 weeks as a result of an impending tax deadline. She states, "The worst thing is that I suddenly become really frightened, becoming trembling, dizzy, nauseous, and sweating. It happened a few weeks ago while I was speaking with my supervisor, and I had to excuse myself." The patient is particularly concerned about having an episode during a work meeting, despite the fact that her symptoms have also happened while she was relaxing at home. She says, "I've stopped going out with my friends because I never know when I'm going to feel this way."  The patient has no significant medical history and does not use alcohol or drugs.  Blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg, pulse is 72/min, and respirations are 18/min.  Physical examination and laboratory evaluation show no abnormalities.  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A) Acute stress disorder
B) Adjustment disorder with anxious mood
C) Generalized anxiety disorder
D) Panic disorder
E) Social anxiety disorder
F) Specific phobia

Correct Answer:

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