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A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four
(or more) of the following symptoms
developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:
- palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- sweating
- trembling or shaking
- sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- feeling of choking
- chest pain or discomfort
- nausea or abdominal distress
- feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization
(being detached from oneself)
- fear of losing control or going crazy
- fear of dying
- paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
- chills or hot flushes
At least one of the attacks has been followed by 1 month (or
more) of one (or more) of
the following:
- persistent concern about having additional attacks
- worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences
(e.g., losing control, having a
heart attack, "going crazy")
- a significant change in behavior related to the attacks
The Panic Attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects
of a substance (e.g., a drug
of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g.,
hyperthyroidism).
The Panic Attacks are not better accounted for by another mental
disorder.
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