PS280 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Specific Phobia, Electrodermal Activity, Panic Disorder
Document Summary
Recurrent and out of the blue sudden rush of intense fear / discomfort; physiological + psychological symptoms, reaches peak within minutes (can occur from calm or anxious state) Panic attack is not disorder, occurs in context of other disorders (21% canadians will experience but only 1. 5% meet criteria for panic disorder) Panic disorder is diagnosed when at least one panic attack results in significant alteration in behaviour. Usually experience numerous bouts of panic, but at least 2 unexpected attacks required for diagnosis. Usually develops in late teen / early adulthood, though treatment is usually sought around 34 years old. Women twice as likely as men to be affected by panic disorder (across countries) Panic disorder often comorbid w depression, substance abuse, and agoraphobia (fear of marketplace) Cardinal feature: individuals initially experience unexpected panic attacks and have marked apprehension and worry over possibility of having additional panic attacks.
