Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder | DSM-5 Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment

Lesson on Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment. Panic attacks are defined as an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort with at least 4 specific somatic symptoms. Panic attacks are very common and it is estimated to affect up to 1/3 of individuals at some point in their lives. Panic disorder is an "anxiety about having panic attacks" that occurs for more than 1 month. Treatments for panic attack and panic disorders includes interoceptive exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, SSRIs or SNRIs.