How long can panic attacks last
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Duration of Panic Attacks: Insights from Research
Typical Duration of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are characterized by a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that peaks rapidly. According to research, the duration of a panic attack is typically very short. Ambulatory respiratory monitoring has shown that panic attacks generally last between four and six minutes1. Despite this, patients often report feeling distressed for hours, which can be attributed to the lingering anxiety and physical symptoms that follow the peak of the attack1.
Perception vs. Reality
There is a notable discrepancy between the actual duration of panic attacks and patients' perceptions. Many individuals believe their panic attacks last for hours, but this is usually a misinterpretation of the intense distress they experience during the episode. The physical symptoms such as dyspnea and palpitations, which are most distressing, typically last less than 10 minutes1. This misperception can lead to increased anxiety and a heightened sense of fear about future attacks.
Factors Influencing Duration and Perception
Several factors can influence both the duration and the perception of panic attacks. Anxiety sensitivity, which is the fear of anxiety-related sensations, plays a significant role in the maintenance and perception of panic attacks. Individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to misinterpret the duration and severity of their attacks2 3. Additionally, avoidance behaviors and good heartbeat perception are linked to the maintenance and recurrence of panic attacks, further complicating the individual's experience2 3.
Long-Term Course and Management
Over the long term, panic disorder is not necessarily a chronic and progressively worsening condition. Studies have shown that with appropriate treatment and management, many individuals can experience significant improvement or even full remission. For instance, a long-term follow-up study found that 66.7% of patients had no panic attacks in the year before the follow-up, and 33% were completely remitted5. Early intervention, such as exposure instruction, has been shown to reduce the long-term consequences of panic attacks and improve outcomes6.
Conclusion
In summary, while the actual duration of a panic attack is typically between four and six minutes, the perceived duration can be much longer due to the intense distress and lingering anxiety symptoms. Factors such as anxiety sensitivity and avoidance behaviors can influence this perception. However, with proper treatment and management, many individuals can achieve significant improvement or remission of their symptoms. Understanding the typical duration and factors influencing panic attacks can help in developing effective strategies for managing and alleviating this condition.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Recognising panic disorder
Panic attacks typically last between four and six minutes and often occur at night.
A 1-year prospective study of panic attacks: clinical course and factors associated with maintenance.
Panic attacks are more likely to relapse in patients with anxiety sensitivity and avoidance, with heartbeat perception and anxiety sensitivity being key factors in maintaining attacks.
Highly CitedA 1-year prospective study of panic attacks: clinical course and factors associated with maintenance.
Panic attacks are largely maintained by heartbeat perception, anxiety sensitivity, and avoidance, with infrequent panickers being more likely to develop panic disorder.
Observational StudyHighly CitedPrevention of panic disorder
A 1-day prevention workshop significantly reduced the likelihood of developing panic disorder and improved panic attacks and social avoidance compared to a wait-list control group.
RCTHighly CitedThe long-term course of panic disorder--an 11 year follow-up.
Panic disorder can be managed effectively over 11 years, with a good chance of recovery from attacks and disabilities, and full remission being possible.
Observational StudyBrief treatment of emergency room patients with panic attacks.
Early intervention with exposure instruction significantly improves depression, avoidance, and panic frequency in emergency room patients with panic attacks, while reassurance does not show any improvement.
RCTHighly CitedThe occurrence of a prodrome of generalized anxiety in panic disorder.
A prodrome of generalized anxiety symptoms can occur in panic disorder patients, contributing to the heterogeneity of generalized anxiety disorder.
Observational StudyA 48-year-old woman with panic attacks
A 48-year-old woman with panic attacks was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism after a history of ankle fracture and recent stress factors.
Case ReportLong-term outcome of panic disorder after short-term imipramine and behavioral group treatment: 2.9-year naturalistic follow-up study.
Short-term imipramine and behavioral therapy effectively reduces panic attack frequency and anxiety after 1 to 5 years, even for patients who reduce or discontinue imipramine.
Non-RCTThree‐year follow‐up of patients with panic disorder after short‐term treatment with alprazolam and imipramine
Short-term treatment with alprazolam or imipramine effectively reduces panic attacks and phobic avoidance behavior in panic disorder patients, with no tolerance phenomena observed.
Non-RCT