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Differential Diagnosis for Carmen Aguiar

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Chronic insomnia: This is the most likely diagnosis given Carmen's 12-month history of trouble falling asleep and long awakenings throughout each night, along with a constant feeling of lethargy and low mood. Her Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 20/28 further supports this diagnosis, indicating moderate to severe insomnia.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Circadian rhythm disorder: Although less likely than chronic insomnia, this could be considered due to Carmen's difficulties sleeping and her history of taking time off work, which might have disrupted her sleep-wake cycle.
  • Restless legs syndrome: This could be a contributing factor to her insomnia, especially if she experiences uncomfortable sensations in her legs at night, but there's no direct information provided to strongly support this diagnosis.
  • Chronic pain: While not directly mentioned, chronic pain could be a underlying issue contributing to her insomnia and lethargy, but without more information, it's difficult to assess its likelihood.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Sleep apnoea: Although less likely given the information provided, sleep apnoea is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential for serious health consequences, including cardiovascular disease. However, typical symptoms such as loud snoring, observed pauses in breathing, or morning headaches are not mentioned.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Other sleep disorders: Such as narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, or parasomnias, are less likely given the information provided and would typically present with more specific symptoms not mentioned in Carmen's case.
  • Underlying psychiatric conditions: While low mood is mentioned, suggesting possible depression or anxiety disorders, these are not exclusively sleep disorders but could significantly impact sleep quality. Further evaluation would be needed to determine their presence and impact.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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