Abstract
In this chapter, the case of Ms. A, a 33yearold married female, serves as a starting point to explore the complexities of diagnosing anxiety disorders. Ms. A presents with a yearlong struggle marked by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Her anxiety has impacted her work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Her family history and the persistence of her symptoms raise red flags for the presence of an anxiety disorder. This chapter emphasizes the importance of history gathering to accurately diagnose and develop a treatment strategy for individuals with anxiety disorders. It underscores that anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways and that family history, comorbidities, and physical causes should be considered during assessment. To aid in diagnosis, this chapter provides guidance on conducting a mental status examination and reviews screening tools that can assist clinicians in assessing symptom severity and comorbid conditions.