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Following significant stressors, individuals with preexisting anxiety disorders, including childhood anxiety, are at greater risk than others for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Investigators questioned whether panic attacks might themselves generate PTSD.
Members of a convenience sample of 178 Israeli adults (83% women; average age, 28; 60% single) reporting panic attacks were asked to endorse items on a PTSD measure regarding their worst panic attack and other events. Most participants reported palpitations, and many reported numerous somatic symptoms; 86% reported ≥4 symptoms, which was diagnostic of panic disorder, and 23% reported ≥10 or more panic attacks. Screening for a variety of traumatic life experiences ascertai…