Panic Attack Types and Symptoms

Panic Attack Types and Symptoms Panic Disorder Symptoms Print An Overview of Panic Attack Types and Symptoms What you need to know about the two main types By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 01, 2014 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 20, 2019 More in Panic Disorder Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Types Diagnosis Panic Attacks in Panic Disorder Treatment View All Back To Top Panic attacks are characterized by feelings of fear, dread, and uncomfortable physical symptoms. These attacks are not classified as a mental health disorder on their own but typically occur as a part of a mental illness or medical condition. Panic attacks are classified into two types: expected and unexpected. Heres what you need to know about each one. Symptoms The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), is the handbook used by mental health providers in making accurate diagnoses. According to the diagnostic criteria listed in the DSM-5, panic attacks are experienced as a sudden sense of fear and dread. These symptoms are accompanied by at least four other mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. The four or more other symptoms may include: Heart palpitations or accelerated heart rateExcessive sweatingTrembling or shakingShortness of breath or smothering sensationsFeeling of chokingChest pain or discomfortNausea or abdominal painFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintChills or hot flashesDerealization and/or depersonalizationFear of losing control or going crazyFear of dyingFeelings of numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)?? The symptoms of panic attacks typically occur rapidly and peak within minutes. Once a panic attack has subsided, the symptoms can taper off completely or the panic sufferer can remain in an anxious state, possibly repeating the panic attack cycle again. Limited-symptom panic attacks occur when all criteria are met, but the person experiences less than four of the listed symptoms.?? Physical Symptoms of Panic and Anxiety Disorders Types of Panic Attacks Not only can panic attacks vary in intensity and duration, but they can also differ according to what prompted the attack. The DSM-5 lists two separate and distinct types of panic attacks: expected panic attacks and unexpected panic attacks. Expected Panic Attacks These attacks are anticipated when a person is subjected to specific cues or panic triggers. For instance, someone who has a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) may expect to have panic attacks when in an elevator or other cramped areas. A person who has a fear of flying (aerophobia) may predictably have a panic attack when boarding a plane, at the time of take-off, or at some time during the flight.?? Unexpected Panic Attacks These panic attacks occur suddenly without any obvious cause or indication. When an unexpected panic attack occurs, a person can be completely relaxed before symptoms develop. This type of panic attack doesnt accompany any conscious internal cues, such as having fearful thoughts, feelings of intense dread and anxiety, or uncomfortable physical sensations. Unexpected attacks also dont occur with external cues, such as specific phobias or being exposed to a frightening event or situation.?? Types of Panic Attacks and Criteria for Diagnosis Panic Attacks and Diagnosis Panic attacks are most often associated with a diagnosis of panic disorder but can be associated with other mental health disorders. Panic attacks are often related to mood and anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. These attacks can also occur in conjunction with a variety of mental health disorders, including personality disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders.?? If youre experiencing panic attacks, your doctor or qualified mental health provider can determine if your panic symptoms are an indication that you have panic disorder or a different condition. Your practitioner can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a proper treatment plan. The earlier you get treated for your panic symptoms, the sooner you can expect to manage your panic attacks.?? How Do Specialists Diagnose Panic Disorder? Panic Attacks in Panic Disorder Panic disorder is a complex mental health condition that involves feelings of anxiety and apprehension. As outlined in the DSM-5, panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder with its own distinct set of diagnostic criteria. Having experienced one unanticipated panic attack is usually a sign that a person can expect to have more of them in the future. Persistent and unexpected panic attacks are the hallmark feature of a  panic disorder. People diagnosed with panic disorder may also be subject to having nocturnal panic attacks, a type of unexpected panic attack that occurs when a person is sound asleep and wakes them up with panic symptoms.?? Panic disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but can occasionally begin in childhood or late adulthood. Research has found strong familial links, suggesting that having a close biological family member with panic disorder puts someone at greater risk for developing this condition. Panic disorder is almost twice as prevalent in women than men. The causes of panic disorder arent currently known. Different theories examine the influence of environmental, biological, and psychological influences. Most experts agree that panic disorder is the result of a combination of these factors.?? Common Risk Factors Associated With Panic Disorder A person with panic disorder may experience great limitations due to panic attacks. For example, they may spend a significant amount of time worrying about future panic attacks and may even avoid certain places and situations that they believe will contribute to the possibility of having a panic attack. Additionally, many people with panic disorder deal with loneliness and isolation, feeling ashamed of their symptoms and fearing that others would negatively judge them for their panic symptoms. Treatment for Panic Disorder Even though theres not a cure for a  panic disorder, there are numerous treatment options available to help people manage their symptoms. The most common options include prescribed medication and/or psychotherapy. Most of those with panic disorder will choose both these options along with practicing self-help techniques. Medications for panic disorder, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, can reduce the intensity of panic attacks and other anxiety-related symptoms. Psychotherapy can assist in helping you deal with difficult emotions and develop healthy coping techniques. Regardless of the options someone chooses, its important to get help for panic and anxiety. The sooner a diagnosis has been made and treatment begins, the quicker a person can expect to cope with symptoms and manage life with panic disorder.?? The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups