Differential Diagnosis
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): The patient's excessive worry, difficulty focusing, and feeling of being a burden are all characteristic symptoms of GAD. The recent end of a long-term relationship may have triggered or exacerbated these symptoms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The patient's avoidance of going out and feeling exposed or vulnerable could be indicative of PTSD, especially if the recent breakup was traumatic.
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety: The patient's symptoms of anxiety and avoidance may be a response to the stress of the recent breakup, which could be diagnosed as an adjustment disorder.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: The patient's avoidance of shopping alone and feeling exposed or vulnerable in public could be indicative of social anxiety disorder.
- Depressive Disorder: The patient's fatigue, difficulty focusing, and loss of interest in activities (e.g., not being able to relax or enjoy a movie) could be indicative of a depressive disorder.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Panic Disorder: Although not explicitly mentioned, the patient's anxiety and avoidance symptoms could be indicative of panic disorder, which would require immediate attention due to the potential for severe panic attacks.
- Suicidal Ideation: Given the patient's recent breakup and feelings of being a burden, it is essential to assess for suicidal ideation, which would require immediate intervention.
- Substance Use Disorder: The patient's symptoms of anxiety and avoidance could be exacerbated or caused by substance use, which would require immediate attention due to the potential for harm.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Although not explicitly mentioned, the patient's excessive worry and need for reassurance could be indicative of OCD, which would require a more detailed assessment.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Although unlikely, the patient's symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty focusing could be indicative of a traumatic brain injury, especially if the recent breakup involved physical trauma.
- Neurodegenerative Disorder: Although very unlikely, the patient's symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty focusing could be indicative of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as early-onset Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia, which would require a comprehensive medical evaluation.