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Related Experiment Videos

Peritraumatic and persistent panic attacks in acute stress disorder.

Reginald D V Nixon1, Richard A Bryant

  • 1University of New South Wales, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.

Behaviour Research and Therapy
|September 16, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Trauma survivors frequently experience panic attacks during and after traumatic events. Acute stress disorder (ASD) is linked to more panic symptoms, which are associated with anxiety sensitivity.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Panic attacks are increasingly recognized in psychopathological responses to trauma.
  • A significant proportion of individuals with panic disorder report a history of trauma.
  • Trauma survivors often report panic attacks, with some studies indicating high prevalence during traumatic experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of peritraumatic and persistent panic symptoms following civilian trauma.
  • To examine the relationship between acute stress disorder (ASD) and panic symptoms during and after trauma.
  • To explore the association between posttraumatic panic and anxiety sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 30 civilian trauma survivors, categorized into acute stress disorder (ASD) and non-acute stress disorder (non-ASD) groups.

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  • Participants completed the Panic Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID), Impact of Event Scale, ASD Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Anxiety Sensitivity Index.
  • Panic attacks during and after trauma, as well as anxiety sensitivity, were assessed.

    • Main Results:

    • 77% of participants experienced panic attacks during their trauma, and 47% reported recurrent panic attacks post-trauma.
    • Participants with ASD reported significantly more panic symptoms during and after trauma compared to non-ASD participants.
    • Posttraumatic panic was most strongly associated with anxiety sensitivity.

    Conclusions:

    • Peritraumatic and persistent panic symptoms are common in trauma survivors.
    • ASD is associated with a higher incidence of panic symptoms following trauma.
    • Anxiety sensitivity appears to be a key cognitive factor mediating posttraumatic panic, suggesting potential treatment targets for posttraumatic anxiety.