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Panic disorder may be present in up to 8% of primary care patients. About 3.5% of individuals experience the disorder sometime in their life. The initial panic attack often occurs after a stressful period, such as the death of a loved one or a separation. Panic attacks occur most commonly in patients 15 to 24 years old. A panic attack is defined as a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by at least 4 of 13 somatic symptoms.
| Criteria for Panic Attack |
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A discrete period of panic disorder, panic intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes:
1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated panic disorder, panic heart rate 2. Sweating 3. Trembling or shaking 4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering panic disorder, panic 5. Feelings of choking 6. Chest pain or discomfort Panic Disorder Panic Disorder 7. Nausea or abdominal distress Panic Disorder Panic Disorder 8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light headed, or 9. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or Panic Disorder Panic Disorder depersonalization (being detached from oneself) 10. Fear of losing control or going crazy Panic Disorder Panic Disorder 11. Fear of dying 12. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations) 13. Chills or panic disorder, panic |
Treatment