Criteria Guide
Panic Disorder DSM Criteria Guide
Use this page when the goal is to focus quickly on the DSM-style structure for Panic Disorder.
Main diagnosis page
Criterion A
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks occur.
- A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes.
- During the surge, 4 or more symptoms occur such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest discomfort, nausea, dizziness, chills or heat sensations, paresthesias, derealization or depersonalization, fear of losing control, or fear of dying.
Criterion B
- At least one attack has been followed by 1 month or more of persistent concern or worry about additional attacks or their consequences.
- At least one attack has been followed by significant maladaptive behavior change related to the attacks, such as avoidance.
Criterion C
- The disturbance is not attributable to a substance or another medical condition.
Criterion D
- The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder such as social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, OCD, PTSD, or separation anxiety disorder.