Limited symptom attack


A limited symptom attack, also referred to as a limited symptom panic attack, is a milder, less comprehensive form of panic attack, with fewer than four panic related symptoms being experienced. 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 an LSA is not necessarily indicative of a mental disorder. Often persons recovering from or being treated for panic attacks and panic disorder will experience LSAs.

Signs and symptoms

According to the DSM-5-TR, during an LSA, fewer than four of the following symptoms would be experienced, in contrast to a full blown panic attack, which must include four or more symptoms.
As with a panic attack, an LSA typically peaks in 10 minutes. However, attacks can be as short as one to five minutes or can form a series of episodes waxing and waning for a period of hours.