Diagnosis

1. Diagnosis:Agoraphobia: Carolyn's fears of enclosed spaces (driving through tunnels) and crowded places (grocery stores) are indicative of claustrophobia and agoraphobia.

The onset of symptoms following a traumatic event aligns with the diagnostic criteria.

Criteria met persistent, excessive fear triggered by specific situations, avoidance, and significant impairment in daily functioning.

Differential Diagnosis: Panic Disorder:300.01(F41.0) is classified under the category of anxiety disorders

The intense panic, fear of dying, and feeling trapped during the traumatic event suggest panic disorder.

Symptoms include panic attacks triggered by specific situations (driving in enclosed spaces) and subsequent avoidance behavior. According to the DSM-5 a person who experiences marked fear or anxiety about two or more of the following situations using public transportation, being in open spaces, being in enclosed spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd, and or being outside the home alone would be diagnosed with Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia 300.22 (F40.00): Her fear of enclosed spaces, particularly while driving, and discomfort in crowded public places might indicate agoraphobia. This fear of situations where escape might be difficult, or help might not be available aligns with the criteria for agoraphobia.

Assessments to Support Diagnosis

Clinical Interview:

Detailed information obtained during the interview revealed Carolyn's intense and escalating fears tied to specific situations, notably enclosed spaces while driving and crowded places like grocery stores.

Onset of symptoms following a traumatic incident aligns with the diagnostic criteria for specific phobias.

Observational Assessment:

Carolyn displayed visible signs of anxiety during the session, including repetitive behaviors (playing with her fingernails, touching her wedding ring), restlessness (foot swinging), and frequent adjustments indicating discomfort.

Questionnaires and Rating Scales:

Several standardized scales are used to assess the severity and frequency of symptoms. For instance:

Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS): Measures the severity of panic disorder symptoms.

Agoraphobia Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ): Assesses thoughts and beliefs related to agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia Scale (AS): Measures the severity of agoraphobic avoidance behavior.

I am working on a biopsychosocial case Conceptualizationcan you put all this together in an easy to read coherent breakdown, showing the diagnosis, differential dignosis, and Assessments to Support Diagnosisthat includes everything I showed you?