T7 – 2.1 What is Panic Disorder?

What is Panic Disorder?

Criterion A: Recurrent, unexpected, abrupt surge of intense fear/discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time 4 or more of the following symptoms occur:

1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
2. Sweating.
3. Trembling/shaking.
4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
5. Feelings of choking.
6. Chest pain/discomfort.
7. Nausea/abdominal distress.
8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
9. Chills or heat sensations.
10. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
11. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from one-self).
12. Fear of losing control or “going crazy”.
13. Fear of dying.

(APA, 2022)