National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Mary frequently visits the emergency room with chest pain and breathing difficulties, suspecting a heart attack. What disorder might she be experiencing?

1. A panic disorder

2. An anxiety disorder

3. A cardiovascular disorder

4. A respiratory disorder

The correct answer is: A panic disorder

The scenario describes someone experiencing recurrent chest pain and breathing difficulties, which are often perceived as signs of a heart attack. These symptoms can lead to significant distress and concern about one's health. When physical symptoms like these arise and are linked to episodes of intense anxiety or fear, it can indicate a panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort. During these episodes, individuals may experience physical symptoms that mimic those of a medical emergency, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or a feeling of impending doom. This aligns well with Mary’s frequent emergency room visits due to her belief that she is having a heart attack, even though medical evaluations likely find no underlying cardiovascular issue at play. In contrast, anxiety disorders can include a broader range of conditions with different symptoms, though panic disorder is classified under anxiety disorders specifically. Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, while also possible causes of such symptoms, are less likely in this context where the primary issue appears to stem from acute anxiety episodes rather than chronic physical ailments. Thus, the symptoms of panic disorder fit most appropriately with Mary’s described experience.