Scenario:
Colin is a 33-year-old, relatively healthy male. He has been under a great deal of physical and emotional stress for about a year. Over the last 12 months, he has experienced the death of a parent, changes in his job that include a promotion that adds a lot of additional responsibility, and a breakup with his long-term girlfriend. There is no history of mental illness.
Provider: What brings you in today?
Colin: They tell me I had a panic attack. I don’t really know what happened.
Provider: How are you feeling right now?
Colin: OK, I guess. I am starting to be able to breathe a little better and I can’t feel my heart beating out of my chest anymore. I guess mostly right now I’m just embarrassed.