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Published on: September 12, 2014
Symptom severity and perceptions in subjects with panic attacks
1Department of Family Practice, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, MSC-7795, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. katerndahl@uthscsa.edu
Archives of Family Medicine
|December 15, 2000
Summary
Individuals with panic attacks perceive symptoms as more embarrassing than controls, but this perception doesn't significantly influence their decision to seek care. Cognitive strategies may help manage anxiety and healthcare utilization.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Panic attacks are characterized by intense fear and physical symptoms.
- Understanding patient perceptions of these symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and care-seeking behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify defining aspects of the worst panic attack.
- To compare symptom perceptions between individuals with panic attacks and controls.
- To examine the role of symptom perceptions in seeking care for panic attacks.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, community-based survey.
- 97 individuals with panic attacks and 97 matched controls participated.
- Symptom perception, acute panic symptoms, and care-seeking behavior were assessed.
Main Results:
- Individuals with panic attacks perceived symptoms as more embarrassing than controls.
- Perceptions of treatment need, life threat, and functional disruption showed little difference.
- Specific symptoms like dyspnea and fear differed in perception, but overall perceptions did not significantly impact care-seeking.
Conclusions:
- Panic attack patients perceive symptoms as more embarrassing and have distinct views on specific symptoms.
- Cognitive interventions targeting negative perceptions could reduce anxiety and inappropriate healthcare use.
- Further research into the link between symptom perception and care-seeking is warranted.
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