A phenomenological study of panic disorder
Date
1986
Authors
Harris, Jocelyn
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Abstract
This study explores and describes the state of acute panic from the phenomenological perspective. Panic disorder is characterized by the repeated occurrence of spontaneous, acute panic attacks. It has been known historically by a variety of labels; tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse, anxiety neurosis, hysteria and hypoglycemia. Not until the 1980 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-111) was there a clear definition outlining the specific symptomatology of this disorder. Few studies, however have isolated their focus to subjects who suffer from panic attacks in accordance with the panic disorder criteria.
In this study, each of the five panic sufferers was interviewed in-depth to determine their self-reported description of the attack experience; its diagnosis and treatment; and the meaning and effect the attacks had on their lives. As well, implications for counsellors were suggested based on their attack experiences. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed and a descriptive account of the findings was presented.
The research findings indicated that diagnosing, assessing and treating panic disorder still presents a major problem for most medical and mental health professionals. The panic attack victims in this study often did not attempt to seek help until they were experiencing some of the secondary manifestations of either anticipatory anxiety, agoraphobia or depression. These side effects tended to confused and often obscure the original symptoms of panic. As a result, they were often treated for their secondary symptoms rather than for the primary problem of panic disorder. Tranquilizers, which were frequently the treatment of choice by clinicians, were seen in this study, to have a limited effect on suppressing the attacks themselves. None of the participants were given any of the attack suppressant drugs mentioned in the pharmaceutical literature. The results further demonstrated that for these participants, understanding and creating meaning for their attacks was the most effective way of diminishing them. Taking charge of their lives, dealing with and changing what they perceived as threats to their personhood, and learning new coping skills, all appeared to contribute to the ongoing recovery of these participants.
In the concluding chapter of this study, a pragmatic guidelines of the essential characteristics of panic disorder is given and implications for counselling are suggested. A review of the relationships between findings of the study and the research and theoretical approaches is discussed and recommendations for future research are made.
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UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being