What are they?
Panic disorder is characterized by the spontaneous and
unexpected occurrence of panic attacks, the frequency of
which can vary from several attacks per day to only a few
attacks per year. Panic attacks can occur in other anxiety \
disorders but occur without discernible predictable precipitant
in panic disorder. CLCIK HERE FOR HELP
Panic attacks are a period of intense fear in which 4 of 13
defined symptoms develop abruptly and peak rapidly less than
10 minutes from symptom onset. To make the diagnosis of panic
disorder, panic attacks cannot directly or physiologically result from
substance use, medical conditions, or another psychiatric disorder.
Listed below are the following potential symptom
manifestations of a panic attack:
•
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
•
Sweating
•
Trembling or shaking
•
Sense of shortness of breath or smothering
•
Feeling of choking
•
Chest pain or discomfort
•
Nausea or abdominal distress
•
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
•
Derealization or depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself)
•
Fear of losing control or going crazy
•
Fear of dying
•
Numbness or tingling sensations
•
Chills or hot flashes
During the episode, patients have the urge to flee
or escape and have a sense of impending doom
(as though they are dying from a heart attack or suffocation).
Other symptoms may include headache, cold hands,
diarrhea, insomnia, fatigue, intrusive thoughts, and
ruminations. CLICK HERE FOR HELP
Panic disorder is usually qualified with the
presence or absence of agoraphobia. Agoraphobia
is defined as anxiety toward places or situations in
which escape may be difficult or embarrassing.
They are real and shold not be treated lightly.
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Read more about Panic Disorder on Medscape
Related Reference Topics
Pediatric Panic Disorder
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Toxicity
Borderline Personality Disorder
Related News and Articles
The Genetics of Panic Disorder
Internet-versus Group-administered Cognitive behaviour Therapy for Panic Disorder in a Psychiatric Setting: A Randomised Trial
Panic Attacks Don’t Come Out of the Blue After All
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