Limited symptom attack

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

[edit] Symptoms

According to the DSM-IV, during a LSA, less 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

[edit] 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.