PS280 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Panic Disorder, Panic Attack, Paresthesia
Document Summary
Involves sudden rush of intense fear or discomfort during which individual experiences number of physiological and psychological symptoms, and reaches peak within minutes. Can occur from a calm state or anxious state. Panic attack is not a mental disorder and occurs in the context of other disorders. 21% of canadians aged 15+ will experience at least one in their lifetime, but only 1. 5% meet criteria for panic disorder. Culture-specific symptoms may also be seen (ex tinnitus, neck soreness, uncontrollable crying) Ex individuals w social anxiety may experience panic attack when initiating social contact but in panic disorder, the attacks occur (at least initially) out of the blue and are not cued by obvious triggers. Diagnostically, at least one of the attacks must be followed by persistent concerns (lasting at least one month) about having additional attacks or by worry about the ramifications of the attack.
