Lesson 3: Panic Disorder Flashcards
Define panic attack
An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within 10 minutes
Panic attacks must have at least _ physical symptoms
4
Physical symptoms of panic attacks
Palpitations, pounding heart beat
Sweating
Trembling/shaking
Shortness of breath/smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain/discomfort
Nausea/abdominal distress
feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint
chills or heat sensations
Numbness tingling sensations
Feeling detached from onself or like things aren’t real
Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
Fear of dying
Is panic attack a disorder?
No
What are the DSM-5 requirements of a panic disorder diagnosis?
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
Fear of fear itself
With more than one month of:
- worry about future panic attacks AND/OR
- change in behavior due to the attacks
What is the one-year prevalence of panic disorder?
2.4%
What is the lifetime prevalence of panic disorder?
3-4%
W:M ratio of panic disorder?
5:2
What is the average age of onset for panic disorder?
15-35
True or false: Almost everybody with agoraphobia has panic disorder.
True
What is agoraphobia?
Persistent, excessive, irrational fear of places where escape is difficult
What are some examples of places that those with agoraphobia may fear?
Public transportation, parking lots/bridges, shops, lines, crowds, etc.
Ultimately, those with agoraphobia begin to fear spaces where escape is difficult because they worry about _______ _ ______ _____
having a panic attack
One-year prevalence of agoraphobia:
1.7%
W:M ratio of agoraphobia
2:1
Average age of onset for agoraphobia
15-35
Those with panic disorder have a high degree of ______ sensitivity
anxiety
What is anxiety sensitivity?
A tendency to focus on one’s bodily sensations, assess them illogically, and interpret them as harmful
If you start to worry about anxiety symptoms, then the number of symptoms/panic attacks increase/decrease
increase
Is there a genetic componet of panic disorder?
Yes!
What two treatment types are common for panic disorder?
Drug therapy
CBT
What types of drugs can be used for panic disorder?
Antidepressant
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are great for chronic/acute use
acute
Why would you prescribe a benzodiazepine for a panic disorder?
Good for those experiencing panic attacks 3 times a week rather than multiple times a day
For some individuals, just knowing that they have a benzodiazepine on them is enough to stop any panic attacks
True
What does the C in CBT address in panic disorder?
Address catastrophic thoughts/beliefs
What does the B in CBT address in panic disorder?
Exposure (relaxation, breathing, bodily panic symptoms, physical cues)
Basically, help them experience the physical side of a panic attack without actually experiencing an attack
Are panic attacks dangerous for the average individual?
Nah.
It’s very hard to do CBT effectively if the client is taking which drug?
Benzodiazepines
Why is the diagnosis requirement for panic disorder only one month instead of 6?
Because the symptoms are so severe and very, very distressing, so it can’t wait.
