PANIC ATTACKS

PANIC DISORDER

Topics in Mental Health

 

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

 

What is Panic Disorder (Without Agoraphobia)?

Panic Disorder is a condition in which a person has had one or more panic attacks and then develops a fear of having more. A panic attack can feel terrible - there may be a shortness of breath, a rapidly beating heart, sweating, dizziness, chest tightness and other symptoms. In panic disorder, panic attacks occur for no apparent reason. However, some people start to avoid situations, hoping to avoid having panic attacks. When this leads to avoiding leaving the house altogether, the condition called Agoraphobia is diagnosed (see article on Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia). Around half of all cases of panic disorder occur with Agoraphobia. Some people with Panic Disorder also suffer from depression. Panic Disorder commonly first appears before age 20.

 

Symptoms of Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia (DSM-IV Criteria)

Around half of all cases of panic disorder do not occur with Agoraphobia. Symptoms for Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia are similar to those of Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia (see article-Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia for more information). In order to diagnose a person with Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia the person must meet the following criteria:

 

• The person has unexpected recurrent Panic Attacks.
• For at least a month after at least one of these attacks, the person has had one or more of these:
• Continuous worry that there will be future attacks.
• Concern as to the significance of the attack or its consequences.
• Noticeable change in behaviour, such as doing something in order to prevent or avoid the attacks.

• The person does not have Agoraphobia.
• The Panic Attacks are not directly caused by a medical condition or by the use of substances including medications.
• The Panic Attacks are not better accounted for by another anxiety or mental disorder.

 

Treatment for Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia

The usual treatment for Panic Disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are also employed in some cases, including anti-depressant medication and anti-anxiety drugs.