Limited symptom attack
A limited symptom attack (LSA), also referred to as a limited symptom panic attack (LPA), is a milder, less comprehensive form of
panic attacks and panic disorder
will experience LSAs.
Symptoms
According to the
DSM-IV, during an LSA, fewer than four of the following symptoms would be experienced, in contrast to a full blown panic attack
, which must include four or more symptoms.
- dyspnea(shortness of breath)
- heart palpitations
- trembling
- dizziness
- chest pain
- perspiration
- hot flashes
- headache
- derealization
- paresthesia
- hyperventilation
- nausea
- vertigo
- lightheadedness
- burning sensations
- choking sensations
- fear of dying
- fear of insanity
Duration
As with a panic attack, an LSA typically peaks in 10 minutes. However, attacks can be as short as one to five minutes or can form a series of episodes waxing and waning for a period of hours.
References
- Shioiri T, Someya T, Fujii K, Noguchi T, Takahashi S (April 1997). "Differences in symptom structure between panic attack and limited symptom panic attack: a study using cluster analysis". Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 51 (2): 47–51. S2CID 7760416.
- Katerndahl DA (1999). "Progression of limited symptom attacks". Depress Anxiety. 9 (3): 138–40. PMID 10356653. Archived from the originalon 2012-12-10.
- Anxiety B.C.
- Mind Disorders
- Panic and Anxiety Disorders