DIAGNOSING PANIC DISORDER

DIAGNOSING PANIC DISORDER
DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) by the American Psychiatric Association is the system used in the United States to classify, discribe and diagnosis mental disorders. This system is not without controversy. Many disorders have overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to reach a diagnosis within the parameters outlined in the DSM. Some professions feel this type of classification system is not really scientific, and that such diagnosis is greatly subjective. Despite these conceptions, , a diagnosis is often necessary for insurance reimbursement and this system is far better than no system at all.
Panic Attack
palpitations, pounding heart, or an 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
feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
fear of losing control or going crazy
fear of dying
numbness of tingling sensations (paresthesias)
chills or hot flushes
The presence of fewer than four of the above symptoms may be considered a limited-symptom panic attack.
Panic Disorder
The diagnostic criteria for panic disorder is defined in the DSM-IV-TR as follows:
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and at least one of the attacks have been followed by 1 month (or more (or more) of the following:
The attacks are not due to the direct psychiological effects of a substance (such as drug of abuse or a medication), or a general medical condition.
The attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as social phobia ( such as occurring on exposure to feared social situations), specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or separation anxiety disorder.
If the above criteria are met, the diagnosis is further clarified by the presence of absence of agoraphobia (such as Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia or Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia).
Only A Professional Can Diagnose Panic Disorder
It is important to know that the symptoms of panic disorder may mimic many other anxiety disorders and/or medical conditions. Only your doctor or mental health professional can diagnose panic disorder.
Http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/diagnosis/a/DSMDiagnosis.htm?n1=1