Understanding Panic Disorder | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It involves sudden episodes of panic attacks that include feelings of fear even when sometimes there is no real danger. You may feel like you are losing control. Panic attacks trigger a number of physiological symptoms while it is preparing your body for fight and flight situations.
Overview of Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can be alarming. When they occur the person feels they are losing control and are facing a very threatening situation. The physical symptoms can make a person feel like they are having a heart attack. The majority of people will experience one or two panic attacks in their lifetime. If you are having frequent sudden panic attacks and spend longer periods of time in continuous fear of experiencing another attack, you might have developed Panic Disorder. Panic attacks are not life-threatening but can greatly affect your quality of life. TO prevent yourself from severe panic attacks, you must know about signs of panic attacks, symptoms of panic attacks, and causes of panic attacks.
Panic Disorder Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
- Lightheadedness
- Hot flashes
- Nausea / Indigestion
- Abdominal cramping
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chills
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- The feeling of detachment or derealisation
- Sense of upcoming doom or danger
- Fear of loss of control or death
- Rapid/pounding heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
What Causes Panic Disorder
Common causes include:
- Genetics/Family history
- Recently undergone major stress
- Temperament that is more sensitive to stress or susceptible to negative emotions
- Certain changes in brain function
Panic attacks are usually triggered by certain stressful situations, but causes of panic attacks can also include some underlying medical conditions and physical causes such as:
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Stimulant use (e.g. cocaine, caffeine, etc.)
- Medication withdrawal
Committed to helping
people who want to help themselves
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a fear of public places and open spaces. It often happens after panic attacks. It can start at any time, but usually within a year of frequent panic attacks. If you have agoraphobia, you might be scared of having a panic attack where you can’t escape or get help. This fear can make you avoid social gatherings and other situations. Over time, you might become more isolated at home.
People who have agoraphobia tend to avoid:
- Places such as shopping malls, parks, or other crowded places.
- Airplanes, cars, subways, busses, and other forms of travel.
- Restaurants, social gatherings, or other conditions where it would be embarrassing to have a panic attack.
- Certain drinks or foods can provoke panics such as caffeine or sugar or specific medications.
- Going outside without the company of someone who makes you feel safe.
- In severe cases, you may only feel safe at home.
Risk Factors of PD
Symptoms tend to start during adolescence or young adulthood years. They are more common in women than in men. Common panic attack risk factors that increase the risk of developing this disorder are:
- A family history of severe panic attacks or panic disorder
- Major life stress, such as serious illness or death of a loved one
- A recent traumatic event or threat to your integrity
- Major life changes, such as a divorce or the birth of a baby
- Excessive intake of caffeine or smoking
- History of childhood abuse
Committed to helping
people who want to help themselves
Complications of PD
If left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can upset almost every aspect of your day-to-day functioning. Complications may include the development of phobias, feeling panic in social situations, problems at work or school, developing an anxiety disorder, depression, or other psychological disorder, alcohol or illegal drug abuse, financial problems.
Prevention of Panic Attacks
- Get treatment for panic attacks as soon as possible to stop them from becoming worse or becoming more regular.
- Stick to your Panic Disorder treatment regimen to prevent setbacks or worsening of the symptoms of severe panic attacks.
- Get regular exercise and physical activity.
Treatment of PD or Anxiety Disorder:
Your doctor will take your health history and make sure there is no underlying physical problem that is causing your Panic Disorder symptoms and then refer you to a mental health professional. This disorder is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is specifically useful as a treatment of choice for panic disorder. CBT helps you develop different thought patterns and reactions to the feelings that come with a panic attack. The signs of panic attacks begin to disappear once you learn to react differently.
Medication:
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat such as:
- Benzodiazepines
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually prescribed to treat depression, but they are also helpful for Panic Disorder symptoms.