A patient has been hospitalized due to cardiomyopathy. During his stay, he had several unexpected panic attacks with sudden onset that lasted approximately 20 minutes each. He told the consulting PMHNP that he has “always had some anxiety, but these are new.” The PMHNP’s initial diagnostic impression is most likely

Symptoms of anxiety and panic are associated with a low level of activity for which neurotransmitter?

Initial starting dose of Anafranil (clomipramine) for OCD would typically be

Which of the following is an appropriate starting dose for an FDA-approved medication to treat social anxiety disorder?

When called on at school, a 6-year-old girl will only nod or write a response. Her parents are surprised to hear this during the parent-teacher conference because she speaks normally at home. She has met all developmental milestones and has no medical concerns. The girl is unable to explain the reason for this and the parents are worried it will affect her academic performance. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is true about panic attacks when diagnosing panic disorder?

A schoolteacher presents to the PMHNP office at the urging of her peers. She states, “I just like things a little cleaner than my coworkers do.” At the school cafeteria, she brings her own utensils because she’s seen the kitchen staff touch the forks with their bare hands. At home, she must first wash her hands, then dry them, using only a clean towel and never touching her fingers of her other hand, and repeat this 5 times before she can stop. She believes that the world is dirty and no longer goes out to shows or movies which she previously enjoyed. The most effective medication for this disorder is

Which of the following characteristics is important when a PMHNP is considering which benzodiazepine to prescribe? 

Which of the following statements about hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania) is true? 

A 45-year-old man describes an intense fear of traveling on the subway since he had a panic attack 10 years ago on a very crowded car. Now he refuses to travel on the subway and avoids many social situations with friends because of similar fears of “being trapped somewhere.” What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?