Differential Diagnosis
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Specific Phobia (Aviophobia): The patient's complaint of intense anxiety when flying and avoidance of air travel suggests a specific phobia. The use of alcohol to cope with anxiety also supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Social Anxiety Disorder: The patient's anxiety in a specific situation (flying) could be a manifestation of social anxiety disorder, especially if they fear being judged or embarrassed by their anxiety in public.
- Panic Disorder: The patient's intense anxiety when flying could be a panic attack, and the avoidance of air travel could be a result of fear of having another panic attack.
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety: The patient's anxiety and regret about not being able to travel by plane could be a response to a specific stressor (flying), and the use of alcohol to cope could be a maladaptive way of dealing with the stress.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Although not explicitly mentioned, it's possible that the patient experienced a traumatic event related to flying, which could be causing their anxiety. Missing this diagnosis could lead to inadequate treatment and worsening of symptoms.
- Substance Use Disorder: The patient's use of alcohol to cope with anxiety could be a sign of a substance use disorder, which would require separate treatment.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Although the patient denies depression, it's possible that they are experiencing depressive symptoms that are not immediately apparent. Missing this diagnosis could lead to inadequate treatment and worsening of symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Claustrophobia: The patient's anxiety when flying could be related to a fear of enclosed spaces, which is a characteristic of claustrophobia.
- Agoraphobia: The patient's avoidance of air travel could be a manifestation of agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in public places or situations where escape might be difficult.