Limited symptom attack

Overview
A Limited Symptom Attack (LSA), also referred to as a Limited Symptom Panic Attack (LPA), is a milder, less comprehensive panic attack with fewer than 4 panic related symptoms being experienced (APA 1994). For example, a sudden episode of intense dizziness or trembling accompanied by fear that something terrible is about to happen. Many people with panic disorder have a mixture of full blown and limited symptom attacks. LSAs often manifest in anxiety disorders, phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia. However, experiencing a LSA is not necessarily indicative of mental illness. Often persons recovering from and/or being treated for panic attacks and panic disorder will experience LSAs.

Symptoms
According to the DSM-IV, during a LSA, less than 4 of the following symptoms would be experienced, in contrast to a full blown panic attack, which must include 4 or more symptoms.


 * dyspnea (shortness of breath)
 * heart palpitations
 * trembling
 * dizziness
 * chest pain
 * perspiration
 * hot flashes
 * headache
 * derealization
 * paresthesia
 * hyperventilation
 * nausea
 * vertigo
 * lightheadedness
 * burning sensations
 * choking sensations
 * fear of dying
 * fear of insanity

Duration
As with a panic attack, a LSA typically peaks in 10 minutes. However, attacks can be as short as 1 to 5 minutes or can form a series of episodes waxing and waning for a period of hours.