How long does a panic attack last

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Duration of Panic Attacks: Insights from Research

Understanding Panic Attack Duration

Typical Duration of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are characterized by a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that peaks rapidly. Research indicates that the acute phase of a panic attack, where symptoms like dyspnea and palpitations are most intense, typically lasts less than 10 minutes . Ambulatory respiratory monitoring has further refined this understanding, showing that the duration of a panic attack is generally between four and six minutes .

Perception vs. Reality

Despite the relatively short duration of the acute symptoms, individuals often report feeling distressed for much longer periods. This discrepancy is likely due to the overwhelming nature of the experience, which can make it feel as though the panic attack lasted for hours . This misperception can lead to increased anxiety and a heightened sense of distress, even after the physical symptoms have subsided.

Factors Influencing Panic Attack Duration

Anxiety Sensitivity and Heartbeat Perception

The maintenance and recurrence of panic attacks are influenced by several factors, including anxiety sensitivity and the perception of one's heartbeat. Individuals with high anxiety sensitivity and good heartbeat perception are more likely to experience prolonged distress and recurrent panic attacks . These factors contribute to the overall experience of panic attacks, making them feel longer and more intense.

Nocturnal Panic Attacks

Another characteristic feature of panic disorder is the occurrence of nocturnal panic attacks, which can disrupt sleep and contribute to the perception of prolonged distress . These attacks often wake individuals from sleep, leading to intense restlessness and anxiety that can linger even after the acute symptoms have passed.

Conclusion

In summary, while the acute phase of a panic attack typically lasts between four and six minutes, the perceived duration can be much longer due to the intense nature of the experience and factors like anxiety sensitivity and heartbeat perception. Understanding these dynamics can help in managing and treating panic disorder more effectively.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Recognising panic disorder

Panic attacks typically last between four and six minutes and often occur at night.

1995·

5citations

·D. Klein

European Psychiatry

Prevention 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 Cited

2001·

153citations

·Cara A. Rubenstein Gardenswartzet al.

Behavior Therapy

The 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 Study

2003·

32citations

·H. Swobodaet al.

Journal of anxiety disorders

A 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 Cited

1995·

206citations

·Anke Ehlers

Journal of abnormal psychology

A 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 Report

2014·

4citations

·K. Schlichtet al.

The Lancet

The 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 Study

1988·

37citations

·M. Garveyet al.

Comprehensive psychiatry

Brief 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 Cited

1992·

102citations

·R. Swinsonet al.

The American journal of psychiatry

[Paroxysmal neurological manifestations disclosing panic attacks].

Paroxysmal neurological manifestations, such as loss of consciousness, focal sensorimotor deficits, and visual disorders, are often associated with panic attacks and may be induced by challenge tests.

Case Report

1992·

0citations

·C. Petiauet al.

Revue neurologique

The relationship between panic attacks and chemical dependencies.

Panic attacks are prevalent in alcohol/drug abuse inpatients, with over 83% self-medicating with alcohol, and male and female panickers showing different patterns.

Observational Study

1989·

50citations

·Brian J. Coxet al.

Addictive behaviors

Do Unexpected Panic Attacks Occur Spontaneously?

Significant autonomic irregularities can precede the onset of unexpected panic attacks, challenging the current distinction between uncued and cued attacks.

Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2011·

87citations

·A. Meuretet al.

Biological Psychiatry

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