What is Panic Syndrome?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the term Panic Syndrome defines a picture of illness whose symptoms are linked to sudden periods of dread and inexplicable feelings of disgrace imminent. These symptoms are always accompanied by physical and cognitive changes. The syndrome ends the experience of a high state of excitement in the face of everyday events.
It is important to highlight that there is a significant difference between Panic Attack and Panic Syndrome. The attack is an isolated episode in which anxiety symptoms appear. The Syndrome, on the other hand, is a set of symptoms, including the repetition of panic attacks with a certain frequency, which relate to the attack the feeling of fear of passing out, fear of losing control, fear of having a heart attack, and finally fear of dying.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms described by the DSM-IV are:
Palpitations or tachycardia; Sweating; Tremors or shakes; Feelings of shortness of breath or suffocation; Choking sensations; Chest pain or discomfort; Nausea or abdominal discomfort; Feeling dizzy, unstable, dizzy or faint; Derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being distanced from oneself); Fear of losing control or going crazy; Fear to die; Paresthesias (anesthesia or tingling sensations); Chills or hot flashes, all linked to intense, inexplicable fear.
What is the duration of a panic attack?
A panic attack typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes and peaks in the first 10 minutes. Right after the attack, the individual usually feels tired and weak, as if he had made a great physical effort. In general, at this time, the subject usually cries, sleeps and then returns to normal. The attack can also occur during sleep. When this happens, awakening includes the symptoms mentioned above.
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What are the treatments?
In general, treatment is a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. The most common medications are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Among the antidepressants, the best known are alprazolam, clonazepam and diazepam. However, the use of these drugs requires special attention, especially with the elderly, as they can compromise motor skills. In addition, it is necessary to avoid their long-term use, as they are drugs that can cause dependence.
The best strategy to avoid prolonged pharmacological treatment is psychotherapeutic follow-up. A very careful assessment is needed so that the symptoms are not confused with other anxiety disorders such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or Depression. It is necessary to isolate the condition from any other possible disorders such as phobias or psychotic conditions. In addition, it is important to rule out physical problems through examinations. The multidisciplinary action allows professionals to isolate this situation, so that the conduct of treatment is more effective.
Juliana Spinelli Ferrari
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Psychology from UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista
Brief psychotherapy course by FUNDEB - Foundation for the Development of Bauru
Master's Student in School Psychology and Human Development at USP - University of São Paulo
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FERRARI, Juliana Spinelli. "Panic Syndrome "; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/psicologia/sindrome-panico.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.