July 6, 2009

Font Size
A
A
A

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.



Next: When to Seek Medical Care »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Emotional Wellness

Get tips on therapy and treatment.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone worries now and then and that's healthy. But for some people, unrelenting worry interferes with their ability to enjoy life. See more WebMD Videos »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Panic Disorder »

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.

Read More on eMedicine »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary