A 20-year-old woman presenting with chest pain and tachycardia is most likely diagnosed with?

In a 20-year-old woman presenting with chest pain and tachycardia, panic disorder is the most likely diagnosis. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. During these attacks, individuals often experience physiological symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and feelings of impending doom.

The presentation of chest pain and tachycardia specifically aligns with the hallmark symptoms of a panic attack. Individuals experiencing these symptoms may misinterpret them as life-threatening events, such as a heart attack, which can further exacerbate their anxiety. The age group and gender of the patient also align with the demographic often affected by panic disorder, providing additional context for this diagnosis.

Anxiety disorders in general encompass a range of conditions, but panic disorder is distinct due to the presence of panic attacks, making this diagnosis particularly fitting for the symptoms described. Other anxiety-related disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or specific phobias, typically do not present with the acute severity and physiologic symptoms seen in panic disorder.