info on derealization (Heather!)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
info on derealization (Heather!)
4
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 5:48pm

I am by no means an expert, but I wanted to share a tidbit of knowledge with you guys, especially people who have the feeling of derealization. i had to buy the DSM for a class of mine so i decided to look up some info on panic disorders. anyway, derealization is one of the 13 symptoms listed in the DSM that is characteristic of a panic attack. More importantly, it says in the book that individuals who have panic disorders most often display more than 4 symptoms during a full blown panic attack. however, there are also things called "limited symptom" attacks.


they are identical to full blown panic attacks except that

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 6:40pm

((((( MIA ))))) THANK YOU!!!!


That is what I was hoping this was all about but i could never really get someone to tell me. All my pdoc and tdoc say is that it's "my" symptom. All along I have been scared that I have something more then anxiety and that has been my biggest fear but what you said make perfect sense.


I seem to know my triggers though, when I am tired is the most major one, even if i don't realize it. When I had the panic attack the other day I had been in the yard all day doing yard work. I am thinking that my body just reacted, it caught me off guard though. My other major trigger is my period....every month when I start to feel the unrel feelings I usually get my period about 2-3 days after that.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2005
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 8:51pm

Hi Mia. Thanks for sharing the information you found. I do find that I feel a lot of de-realization.
You posted to me before and I was hoping to email you. I couldn't get a hold of your email on here, if you don't mind, here is mine nina_24_@hotmail.com if you feel like emailing. I just feel so confused about my anxiety and where it comes from, you had mentioned that you don't know where your's comes from as well. I hope you dont mind and thanks for sharing the info

Nina

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 11:23pm

Mia,


Could you list the symptoms from what you read. or email them to me..


Thanks and I hope you had fun with bf and the friend you don't like..!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 09-09-2005 - 10:58am

OK here are the criteria for a panic attack according to the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders):


1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate


2. sweating


3. trembling or shaking


4. sensations of shortness of breath or smothering


5. feeling of choking


6. chest discomfort or pain


7. nausea or abdominal distress


8. feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint


9. derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)


10. fear of losing control of going crazy


11. fear of dying


12. paresthesias (numbness or tingling sesations)


13. chills or hot flashes.