According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM IV) , a panic attack is defined as:
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the experience of 4 or more of the following symptoms, |
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which come on abruptly, and |
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reach their peak intensity within 10 minutes. |
Symptoms |
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| 1. | accelerated heart rate, palpitations, pounding heart |
| 2. | sweating |
| 3. | trembling or shaking |
| 4. | shortness of breath or sensations of smothering |
| 5. | choking feelings |
| 6. | pain or discomfort in the chest |
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7. |
nausea or abdominal distress |
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8. |
feelings of dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness or faintness |
| 9. | feelings of "unreality" or being "detached" from oneself |
| 10. | fear of losing control or going "crazy" |
| 11. | fear of dying |
| 12. | numbness or tingling |
| 13. | chills or hot flashes |