The Burkhart Center
for Autism Education & Research
Module Three: Social and Behavioral Issues

 
 
Module Three

Behavior Overview
Behavior in ASD
Social Behavioral Effects
Managing Behavior
Different Approaches
Glossary
About the Authors

 

    

 

 

Module Two Burkhart Center Home TTU Special Education Module One Module Three

Panic Attacks

Donny Osmond once stated, "It was as if a bizarre and terrifying unreality had replaced everything that was familiar and safe. I felt powerless to think or reason my way out of the panic ... I was paralyzed, certain that if I made one wrong move, I would literally die" (Gard, 2001, p. 26).

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack, known in the DSM-IV as a "Panic Disorder", is a physical, fight or flight response which occurs for no apparent reason.

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset
  • Can occur at any time (even in sleep)
  • Extreme fear, desire to run away
  • It is not unusual for one's heart to pound or to have symptoms similar to a heart attack
  • Nausea
  • Sweating

Who is effected?

18% of the U.S. population experiences panic attacks (Gard, 2001)
Research indicates that women are more likely than men to struggle with panic attacks but some men will struggle with panic attacks (Leskin & Sheikh, 2004).
Panic attacks generally start in late adolescence (Gard, 2001)

The Cycle

  1. Panic attack strikes
  2. Physical response to anxiety ensues
  3. Fear begins to build concerning the occurance of the panic attack
  4. Behavior effected concerning possibility of future panic attacks

Struggling Against the Panic Attack!

Possible ways of fighting off a panic attack:
  • Find a person you can trust to help talk you through the attack. A counselor or knowledgeable, understanding friend may be of assistance.
  • Avoid negative self-talk such as "I can't do anything right" as much as possible
  • Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing during the attack (do not be discouraged if this does not work at first, give yourself time and permission to mess up occassionally)
  • Visit with your doctor or get a referral to a psychiatrist who may be able to assist you through this difficult time

 

References

Gard, C. J. (2001). Panic Attacks. Current Health 27(2), pp. 26-27.

Hayward, C.; Wilson, K. A.; Lagle, K.; Killen, J. D.; & Taylor, C. B. (2004). Parent-Reported Predictords of Adolescent Panic Attacks. Journal of American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 43(5) pp. 613-620.

Leskin, G. A. & Sheikh, J. I. (2004). Gender Differences in Panic Disorder. Psychiatric Times 21(1) pp. 65-66.

 

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2005 Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research