A disorder involving recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or behavioral change related to them. Cognitive accounts examine how interpretations of bodily sensations contribute to recurrent fear; the diagnosis does not establish that every bodily symptom is psychologically caused.
An abrupt episode of intense fear or discomfort with associated symptoms. A panic attack is an event; panic disorder additionally involves a diagnostic pattern of recurrent unexpected attacks and persistent concern or behavioural change.
David M. Clark's account proposes that catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations increase fear and arousal, intensifying sensations available for further threatening interpretation. Safety behaviors and avoidance can prevent disconfirmation. The theory distinguishes the presence of a sensation from the meaning assigned to it; a test should manipulate interpretation while measuring physiological input and subsequent fear.[ref]
A cognitive approach to panic by David M. Clark. Behaviour Research and Therapy 24, 461–470; original model of catastrophic misinterpretation
Articles by others on the same topic
There are currently no matching articles.