Somatic and psychological symptoms during isoproterenol-induced panic attacks

doi:10.1016/0165-1781(90)90076-H

Psychiatry Research

Volume 32, Issue 2, May 1990, Pages 103-112

https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1781(90)90076-H Get rights and content

Abstract

To determine which symptoms characterized isoproterenol-induced panic attacks, we analyzed the presence of panic attacks in 54 panic disorder patients who panicked, 24 patients who did not panic, and 37 controls who did not panic during isoproterenol infusions. The increases over the baseline of the symptoms shortness of breath and fear of going crazy were highly associated with panicking patients when compared to nonpanicking patients and nonpanicking controls. The increases of the symptoms trembling and shaking, generally nervous, and fear of going crazy were highly associated with patients when compared to controls. The possibility of a cognitive theory of panic attacks is discussed.

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¹: John Muench, M.D., was a medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine when this research was carried out.

²: Richard Berchou, Pharm.D., is Research Scientist, Lafayette Clinic.

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Somatic and psychological symptoms during isoproterenol-induced panic attacks

Abstract

Psychiatry Research

Psychiatry Research

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Biological Psychiatry

Biological Psychiatry