Panic Disorder

Articles on this site
The Amygdala, Anxiety and Panic
Phobia
Anxiety Survival Guide
Alpha Stim
How Alpha Stim works (PDF File)

Off Site Resources
Stop Panic Attacks in Their Tracks
Online Self-Help Program

Panic Disorder Resources
"About" site for panic and anxiety

Panic Disorder Information Sheet

Anxiety Network International
A good array of articles exploring themes of anxiety and panic.

DSM4 Criteria
Panic Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia

• A. Both (1) and (2):
  1. Recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks
  2. At least one of the attacks has been followed by at least one month with at least one of the following:
     1. Persistent concern about having additional attacks
     2. Worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences

        EXAMPLES:

        Losing control

        Having a heart attack

        "Going crazy"

     3. A significant change in behavior related to the attacks
• B. Absence of Agoraphobia
• C. The Panic Attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of:
  1. A substance
  2. A general medical condition
• D. The Panic Attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder:

  Social Phobia

  Panic attacks occur in feared social situations

  Specific Phobia

  Panic attacks occur a specific phobic situation

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  Panic attacks occur with exposure to dirt with an contamination obsession

  Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

  Panic attacks occur in response to stimuli associated with a severe stressor

  Separation Anxiety Disorder

  Panic atttack occur while being away from home or close relatives

Panic Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia

• A. Both (1) and (2):
  1. Recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks
  2. At least one of the attacks has been followed by at least one month with at least one of the following:
     1. (a) Persistent concern about having additional attacks
     2. (b) Worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences

        EXAMPLES:

        Losing control

        Having a heart attack

        "Going crazy"

     3. (c) A significant change in behavior related to the attacks
• B. The presence of Agoraphobia
  
  
• C. The Panic Attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of:
  1. A substance
  2. A general medical condition
     
     
• D. The Panic Attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder:

  Social Phobia

  Panic attacks occur in feared social situations

  Specific Phobia

  Panic attacks occur a specific phobic situation

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  Panic attacks occur with exposure to dirt with an contamination obsession

  Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

  Panic attacks occur in response to stimuli associated with a severe stressor

  Separation Anxiety Disorder

  Panic atttack occur while being away from home or close relatives