Guest Speaker Reflection: Panic Attacks Summary

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Guest Speaker Reflection: Panic Attacks
DSM-5 Symptom

Evidence Analysis

A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, characterized by four or more of the following: palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or heat sensations, numbness/tingling, feelings of unreality, fear of "going crazy," fear of dying.

Alex experiences unexpected panic attacks. Initially, his panic attacks were associated with the fear of thunderstorms after the unfortunate event when Alex's home was struck by a thunderstorm. This went on for some years until 9/11, when Alex's unexpected panic attacks started resulting from the fear of death and dying. In the video, Alex says that his panic attacks after 9/11 became constant to the point of once a month. Alex also confesses to having periods when the panic attacks significantly reduced. For instance, in the period between 15 and 17 years, Alex only experienced panic attacks once a year. However, this changed after his close friend committed suicide, during which he encountered several panic attacks a week. These dynamics are a clear indication that Alex experienced recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Alex's panic attacks are characterized by symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate, and fear of death.

B1. Persistent worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences