Limited symptom attack

A limited symptom attack (LSA), also referred to as a limited symptom panic attack (LPA), is a milder, less comprehensive form of 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

• Shioiri T, Someya T, Fujii K, Noguchi T, Takahashi S (April 1997). "Differences in symptom structure between panic attack and limited symptom panic attack: a study using cluster analysis". Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 51 (2): 47–51. PMID 9141140. 
• Katerndahl DA (1999). "Progression of limited symptom attacks". Depress Anxiety 9 (3): 138–40. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1520-6394(1999)9:3<138::AID-DA7>3.0.CO;2-4. PMID 10356653. 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