Understanding Diver Panic (.Pdf)
Understanding Diver PANIC By John R. Yarbrough, Ph.D Panic refers to a sudden and often unpredictable onset of intense, sometimes blinding, fearfulness or terror, usually associated with feelings of impending Photo William M. Mercadante doom. W e associate panic with a associated with a specific phobia, knowing when of if the symptoms number of physiological symptoms, such as a fear of sharks or a fear of will recur. such as shortness of breath, a feeling going too deep (called of not getting enough air, bathophobia). In these instances, Cognitive and Physiological palpitations, chest pain and fear of divers most likely avoid placing Symptoms of Panic losing control. Panic symptoms themselves in such situations so as At one time or another, everyone usually build to a crescendo in 10 to minimise the chances of an experiences mild symptoms of minutes or less. episode. anxiety. Perhaps the most common and familiar form is performance According to the DSM-IV (the Situationally predisposed panic anxiety or stage fright. People may American Psychiatric Associations attacks usually occur in the presence feel apprehensive or embarrassed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of of a trigger: they do not always occur that all eyes are focused on them, Mental Illness, 4th edition), people in every situation, however, or they waiting for them to demonstrate a experience three major types of might not occur immediately. 0or particular skill. Often apparent in panic attack: example, an apprehensive novice dive training, this occurs when may make two successful dives to 10 students are observed practicing Situationally bound, or cued attacks; metes, but has an overwhelming skills such as clearing a flooded mask.
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