Question:
I know that the essential feature of Panic Disorder is the presence of
recurrent, unexpected Panic Attacks followed by at least 1 month of
persistent concern about having another Panic Attack, worry about the
possible implications of consequences of the Panic Attacks, or a
significant behavioral change related to the attacks. Are there other
symptoms as well?
Answer:
You sound like you've read the DSM-IV. The only thing you've really
missed is the actual definition of a panic attack (the physical
sensations and sense of impending doom are especially important) and the
differential diagnosis. You need to distinguish it from other panic-like
states, such as phobia, social anxiety, performance anxiety, and physical
conditions (thyroid disease and a variety of rarities). Keep in mind that
panic attacks are normally short (unlike anxiety attacks from medical
illness), and they can get confused with phobias if the person begins
guessing about "triggers" on the events. In other words, if they start
avoiding places and situations in which they've had panic attacks it can
mimic a phobia.
A major part of it is fear of uncontrolled (wide open) spaces. There is
also a concern with general confusion. Suddenly you don't know where you
are or how to cope. The aftermeth is not so much worrying about why it
happened, it becomes a concern of functioning. This condition can become
a paralyzing issue and if left untreated will only escalate. If you know
someone having this please help them find professional help. I had some
problems a few years ago after memories of witnessing a murder started
surfacing and it was sheer hell. It took me almost 3 years to become
functional.
