A Limited Symptom Attack (LSA), also referred to as a Limited Symptom Panic Attack (LPA), is a milder, less comprehensive panic attack with fewer than 4 panic related symptoms being experienced (APA 1994). For example, a sudden episode of intense dizziness or trembling accompanied by fear that something terrible is about to happen. Many people with panic disorder have a mixture of full blown and limited symptom attacks. LSAs often manifest in anxiety disorders, phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia. However, experiencing a LSA is not necessarily indicative of mental illness. Often persons recovering from and/or being treated for panic attacks and panic disorder will experience LSAs.
Symptoms
According to the DSM-IV, during a LSA, fewer than 4 of the following symptoms would be experienced, in contrast to a full blown panic attack, which must include 4 or more symptoms.
- dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- heart palpitations
- trembling
- dizziness
- chest pain
- perspiration
- hot flashes
- headache
- derealization
- paresthesia
- hyperventilation
- nausea
- vertigo
- lightheadedness
- burning sensations
- choking sensations
- fear of dying
- fear of insanity
Duration
As with a panic attack, a LSA typically peaks in 10 minutes. However, attacks can be as short as 1 to 5 minutes or can form a series of episodes waxing and waning for a period of hours.
References
- Shioriri, T. , Someya, T. et al. (1997) Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9141140&dopt=Abstract
- Katerndahl, David (2003) The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/61005541/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
- Anxiety B.C.
- Anti Stress Center
- Mind Disorders
- Panic and Anxiety Disorders
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