Panic Disorders

Definition

A panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes you to have frequent attacks of intense fear of something terrible happening.

Alternative names

Panic attacks, Anxiety attacks, Fear attacks, and Anxiety Disorder – panic attacks

Causes

Because unknown Genes may play a role. Another family member may also have the disorder. However, panic disorder can occur even if there is no family background.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from panic disorder as men. The symptoms often start before age 25 but can occur as late as the mid-30s. Panic disorder can affect children but is not often diagnosed until later.

Symptoms

The panic attack usually begins abruptly and peaks between 10 to 20 min. Some symptoms can last for up to an hour. It is possible to mistake a panic attack for a heart attack.

People with panic disorder are often afraid of having another attack and may not want to be alone or be far away from medical assistance.

People with panic disorder experience at least four of the following symptoms when they are experiencing an attack.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Fear of Death
• Fear of losing control, or imminent doom
• Choking feeling
• Feelings Of Detachment
• Feelings of disbelief
• Nausea and upset stomach
• Numbness and tingling of the feet, hands, or face
• Heart pounding, palpitations, or fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or feeling choked
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Trembling or shaking

Panic attacks can affect your behavior and performance at work, school, or home. Many people with panic disorder worry about the consequences of their attacks.

People with panic disorder may abuse alcohol or other drugs. People with panic disorder may be depressed or sad.

Panic attacks are unpredictable. In the early stages, panic attacks are not triggered by anything. A panic attack can be triggered by recalling an earlier incident.

Exams and tests

Many people who have panic disorder seek help at an emergency room. The panic attack can feel like a heart attack.

The health care provider performs a physical examination and mental health assessment.

Blood tests are done. Other medical conditions must be eliminated before panic disorder can even be diagnosed. substance use disorder treatment will be considered because the symptoms of panic attacks can resemble substance abuse disorders.

Treatment

Treatment aims to improve your ability to function in everyday life. The best treatment is a combination of talk therapy and medicine.

Talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) can help you understand panic attacks and how to cope. You will learn the following:

• Understanding and controlling distorted perceptions of stressors in life, such as the behavior of others or life events.
• Replace thoughts that make you feel helpless and panic with others that are more positive.
• Relax and manage stress when symptoms appear.
• Start with the thing that you are least afraid of. To overcome your fears, you can practice in real-life situations.

Certain medications, often used to treat depression, can also help treat this disorder. These medicines work by preventing or reducing your symptoms. These medicines must be taken every day. Do not stop taking these medications without consulting your doctor.

• Most often, antidepressants are prescribed as SSRIs.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice.

You can also try other medicines to treat depression or seizures.

You may also prescribe hypnotics and sedatives.

• These medications should only be taken on the advice of a physician.
• Your doctor will prescribe these drugs in a limited quantity. These drugs should not be taken every day.
• You can use them when your symptoms are severe, or you’re about to be exposed to something that causes them.
• It would help if you did not consume alcohol while taking sedatives.

You can also reduce the severity or number of panic attacks by following these steps:

• Don’t drink alcohol
• Eat at regular times.
• Exercise regularly.
• Sleep enough.
• Avoid caffeine, cold medicine, and stimulants.

Support Groups

Joining a support group can help ease the anxiety associated with panic disorder. You can feel less alone by sharing your experiences with others.

Support groups can be an excellent addition to talk therapy and medication.

• Anxiety Depression Association of American — Adaa.org
• National Institute of Mental Health — www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/index.shtml

Outlook (Prognosis).

Some panic disorders can be challenging to treat and last a long time. Some people may never be cured of this disorder. Most people will get better if they are adequately treated.

People with panic disorder have a higher risk of:

• Alcohol or illegal drugs abuse
• Unemployed or less productive?
• You may be experiencing difficulties in your personal life, such as marriage problems
• Limit their social interactions or whereabouts.

Contacting a Medical Professional

If panic attacks interfere with your job, relationships, or self-esteem, contact your provider to schedule an appointment.

You can also chat at 988lifeline.org if you or someone else is contemplating suicide. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential help 24/7.

You can also dial 911 or your local emergency number or visit the hospital’s emergency department. DO NOT delay.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you suspect someone close to you has attempted suicide. Even after calling for help, do not leave the person unattended.

The following is a list of precautions.

Avoid the following if you suffer from panic attacks:

• Alcohol
• Stimulants like caffeine and cocaine

These substances can trigger or worsen symptoms.