DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Panic Disorder

DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Diagnosis Print DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Panic Disorder By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 07, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 07, 2019 Sturti / istock More in Panic Disorder Diagnosis Symptoms Treatment Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand What Is DSM-5? DSM-5/Panic Disorder Defining Panic Attacks Agoraphobia Professional Diagnosis View All Back To Top Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM-5. According to the guidelines, in order to be diagnosed with a panic disorder, you must experience unexpected panic attacks on a regular basis. What else does DSM-5 say about a  panic disorder? How does the way its diagnosed in DSM-5 compare to the previous edition of the manual? Among the updates are clarification on the types of panic attacks and how agoraphobia is associated with panic disorder. What Is DSM-5? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the system used in the United States to diagnose mental health disorders. The DSM contains diagnostic criteria used by mental health professionals to classify and describe every mental illness. The 2013 release of DSM-5 is the first significant update since 1994. In this edition, many changes were made and this includes some updates to the diagnosis of panic disorder. This system is not without controversy. Many disorders have overlapping symptoms. Some professionals question the validity of this type of  classification system, while others feel there is a great deal of subjectivity in its application.?? Despite these reservations, a diagnosis is often necessary for treatment, research, and insurance reimbursement. Many professionals feel that this system is far better than no system at all. How DSM-5 Diagnoses a Panic Disorder The  diagnostic criteria for panic disorder  are  defined in the DSM-5. It is an anxiety disorder  based primarily on the occurrence of panic attacks, which are recurrent and often unexpected.?? In addition, at least one attack is followed by one month or more of the person fearing that they will have more attacks. This causes them to change their behavior, which  often includes avoiding situations that might induce an attack.?? Its important to note that a panic disorder diagnosis must rule out other potential causes for the panic attack or what feels like one.?? The attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (such as  drug use or a medication) or a general medical condition.The attacks are not better accounted for by another  mental disorder. These may include a  social phobia  or another  specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder,  post-traumatic stress disorder,  or  separation anxiety disorder How to Tell If Panicky Symptoms Are a Sign of Disorder Defining Panic Attacks Since panic attacks  are key to a panic disorder diagnosis, they are well defined and rather specific. This is where the updates in DSM-5 are significant. The previous version classified panic attacks into three categories:  situationally bound/cued, situationally predisposed, or unexpected/uncued. DSM-5 simplifies it into two very clear categories: expected and unexpected panic attacks.?? Expected panic attacks are those associated with a specific fear like that of flying. Unexpected panic attacks have no apparent trigger or cue and may appear to occur out of the blue. According to DSM-5, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms:?? Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rateSweatingTrembling or shakingSensations of shortness of breath or smotheringA feeling of chokingChest pain or discomfortNausea or abdominal distressFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintFeelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)Fear of losing control or going crazyFear of dyingNumbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)Chills or hot flushes The presence of fewer than four of the above symptoms may be considered a limited-symptom panic attack. Agoraphobia Now Stands Alone From Panic Disorder In previous versions of DSM, agoraphobia  was associated with panic disorder. With the updates of DSM-5, it is now a separate and codable diagnosis. This is one of the biggest differences in the updates. Within the update to agoraphobia, DSM-5 notes that a person must experience intense fear or anxiety in a minimum of two situations. These include being out in public, open spaces, and in crowds, essentially anywhere in which youre outside of the home. It also notes that avoidance behaviors must be exhibited. These are a result of the fear of being in situations that may induce panic attacks or anxiety in which help may not be available or that its difficult to flee. Only a Professional Can Diagnose Panic Disorder It is important to know that the symptoms of panic disorder may mimic many other anxiety disorders and/or medical conditions. Only your doctor or mental health professional can diagnose panic disorder. Panic Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF When seeking professional help in order to evaluate your symptoms and potentially reach a diagnosis, remember that honesty is key. You may even see one therapist and decide youd like to see a different one instead. Remember to do what you are comfortable with. Although it may feel difficult at first to discuss your feelings, remember that your doctor is there to help you and that speaking openly about your condition is the first step toward managing your symptoms in a healthy way. What Is the Biological Cause of Panic Disorder?