Abstract
Although much research has focused on the pathophysiology of panic attacks, little work has been done to describe the phenomenon itself. Twenty-one patients with panic attacks were asked to sequence the panic-related symptoms during an attack in an attempt to clarify the phenomenon. Overall, panic symptoms could be grouped into three categories: early symptoms - consisting of dyspnea, palpitations, chest discomfort, and hot flashes; intermediate symptoms - including shaking, choking, feelings of unreality, sweats, faintness, and dizziness; late symptoms - consisting of fear and paresthesias. Based on symptom clusting and temporal relationships, this study describes the panic phenomenon.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 49-52 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Family Practice |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1988 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Family Practice