Comparative symptomatology of phobic and nonphobic panic attacks.

Following a survey of the general population, the prevalence of panic symptomatology was compared in 12 phobic and 46 non-phobic subjects identified from the sample. Fear of losing control (p = .019) was more characteristic of phobic panic attacks while dyspnea (p less than or equal to .05) and dizziness (p less than or equal to .02) were more prevalent in nonphobic attacks. Within this population, it appears that there are few large differences in symptom frequency between the two groups. However, the differences that do exist may be due to either a difference in pathophysiology or may reflect development of secondary hyperventilation in those with nonphobic attacks.