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Panic Attacks (cont.)

Panic Attacks Symptoms

  • The American Psychiatric Association's official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) defines a panic attack as a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which 4 (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes:

    • Palpitations, pounding heart, or fast heart rate

    • Sweating

    • Trembling and shaking

    • Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering

    • Feelings of choking

    • Chest pain or discomfort

    • Nausea or abdominal distress

    • Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint

    • Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)

    • Fear of losing control or going crazy

    • Fear of dying

    • Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)

    • Chills or hot flashes
  • Some of these symptoms will most likely be present in a panic attack. The attacks can be so disabling that the person is unable to express to others what is happening to them. A doctor might also note various signs of panic: The person may appear terrified or shaky or be hyperventilating (deep, rapid breathing causing dizziness).
  • Recent literature suggests that men and women may experience different symptoms during an attack. Women tend to experience a predominance of respiratory symptoms compared to men.



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Panic disorder is characterized by the spontaneous and unexpected occurrence of panic attacks, the frequency of which can vary from several attacks a day to only a few attacks a year.

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