Comparative phenomenology of early-onset versus late-onset panic attacks: a pilot survey

Article Abstract:

Panic disorders have been studied with increasing frequency in recent years, but there is still a relative lack of literature addressing late-onset panic attacks. There is little evidence to suggest they occur in older adults. However, it is possible that attacks in older individuals are self-limiting, that they are less distressing, or they may simply be underdiagnosed. For purposes of comparing early-onset and late-onset panic attacks, 520 adults with panic attacks were interviewed. Of the 520, 445 were under age 55. Of those older than 55 years, 57 had their first attack prior to age 55 and 18 had their first attack after the age of 55. The major difference between patients with late-onset panic attacks versus those with early-onset attacks (regardless of age) was that those with early-onset attacks reported more attacks and practiced more avoidance behavior. Evidence was not found for an age-related difference in the presentation of panic attacks. Patients' experiences were more influenced by the time of onset. One salient finding is that older adults do suffer from panic attacks. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Author: Taylor, C. Barr, Sheikh, Javaid I., King, Roy J.
Evaluation, Demographic aspects, Panic disorders, Panic disorder, Panic attacks

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An unquiet mind

Article Abstract:

Dr M.L. Taff's review of Kay Redfield Jamison's book 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods of Madness' seemed unkind. Dr. Taff mentioned that the book contained obvious flaws by not addressing legal, ethical and civil rights issues properly. However, since Jamison's book was not a forensic psychiatry textbook but more of an autobiography, legal and ethical considerations are not necessarily observed.

Author: Balon, Richard
Psychological aspects, Analysis, Portrayals, Criticism and interpretation, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Authorship, Professional workers, Professional employees, Book reviews, Book reviewing, Jamison, Kay Redfield, Taff, M.L.

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