Panic Attacks: Definition from The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
Panic Attacks DSM-IV-TR Criteria
Here is the criteria for Panic Attacks:
Note: A Panic Attack is not a codable disorder. Code the specific dagnosis in which the Panic Attack occurs (e.g., 300.21 Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia [p. 441])
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 flashes
My Note On Panic Attacks DSM-IV-TR Criteria
The DSM is the record that is used by physicians to determine psychiatric disorders including panic attacks. This book has been used since 1952 and has been improved many times to the present-day DSM-IV-TR. The coming update of the published document is expected in May of 2013. This published document covers the detailed spectrum of psychological disorders ranging from childhood disorders to mood disorders to psychotic disorders. The point of this published document was to assist with the focus of research and getting payment for psychiatric disorders.
Indeed, the classification of mental disorders has helped with remuneration for mental health issues including panic attacks. With elevated payment comes more MD’s willing to treat these illnesses. There have been important advances in pharmacology treatments for mental disorders over the last several decades. The same can be pronounced for the behavioral strategy now being used in mental health. Most of all, it has increased the accepting of people getting help with mental health issues.
I am for the most part looking at the anxiety disorders on this website, so I have provided the definitions of these disorders from that text for your advantage. The programs that I endorse include Panic Away, The Linden Method, and EasyCalm dispute the idea of anxiety disorders. I believe this is more of an effort to have folks gather they have command over their recovery from a particular disorder. I concede in that I have seen a lot of patients persist in the idea of them having a disorder and thereby incapable of change.
As you can see, many of the criteria in the text are quite vague. I believe people don’t need to always have all the list for a disorder to have the problem. There is room for MD’s to diagnose and help people in this method. It is helpful to remember why the criteria were done and the flexibility allowed. I hope people will get aid whether they want to call it a disorder or not.
Dr.Rich is a psychiatrist who writes about mental health related topics focusing on anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and substance abuse on various blogs as he realizes anxiety and substance abuse occur together. You can find information about opioid dependence and suboxone clinics. Skip to our other sections:
Anxiety Information | Panic Attacks| Social Anxiety| Generalized Anxiety| Stress Management
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