Shirah Vollmer, MD

A 38 year old female lab technician is seen for "being nervous all the time". She complains of being unable to relax. She relates to you that he has been a "worry wart" for as long as she can remember, always fearing that something is going to go wrong. Although her doctor has told her she is in excellent health, she relates that she sees him frequently for episodic stomach pains and palpitations.

Panic attacks are common, but by themselves, they are not a disorder. When the attacks become the focal point of one's mental life, then the diagnosis of panic disorder is appropriate.