The sequence of panic symptoms
Katerndahl, D.A.
Journal of Family Practice 26(1): 49-52
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 3339305 Document Number: 324551
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 clustering and temporal relationships, this study describes the panic phenomenon.