Abstract
This chapter introduces Ms. R, a 45yearold woman who presents to the clinic with symptoms of rapid breathing, chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and an overwhelming fear of dying. She has been experiencing these symptoms intermittently for a week. She is undergoing treatment with tamoxifen for breast cancer, and her recent cancer diagnosis, treatment, and associated stress have contributed to her increasing worry. However, she has never experienced such attacks before. Her history of smoking and vital signs raises concerns for a possible underlying medical cause for her symptoms. This chapter emphasizes the importance of considering the broader clinical context when evaluating anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms. It discusses the concept of anxiety disorder due to another medical condition, where anxiety is a direct result of a medical disorder. Various therapeutic approaches are mentioned, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient’s medical conditions and preferences.