Panic Disorder
- panics not usually associated with any situation or object
- anxiety builds up quickly and there is fear of a catastrophic outcome
- several attacks over 4 month period required for ICD 10 diagnosis
- F>M
- Panic
- Starts abruptly
- reaches peak within a few minutes
- has limited duration
- symptoms intense
Symptoms
- last only a few minutes
- may lead to individual to need to escape from wherever he/she is
- need to have history of several attacks in a month
Psychological
- derealisation/depersonalisation
- feeling dizzy or faint
- fear of losing control going mad
- fear of dying
- unpleasant feeling of anticipation and threat
- irritability
- difficulty in concentration
- inability to relax
- initial insomnia
- exaggerated startle response
Somatic
- Palpitations
- sweating
- trembling
- dry mouth
- nausea
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- choking sensation
- chills or hot flushes
- numbness/tingling
- muscle tension
- restlessness
- difficulty swallowing
Epidemiology
- 0.8% of population
- women > men
- onset 25-44
Treatment
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