Panic Disorder
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
Panic attacks can happen in other types of anxiety disorders, too. Generally, if you have 4 or more panic attacks and if you always worry about having another, you have panic disorder. Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
- Pounding heart, sweating, Trembling, or shaking.
- Shortness of breath, sense of choking.
- Nausea or belly pain.
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Feeling unreal or disconnected from oneself.
- Fear of losing control, fear of "going crazy" or dying.
- Numbness.
- Chills or hot flashes.
- Chest pain and other symptoms that mimic a heart attack.
Panic disorder can be upsetting and disabling. An attack can last from a few minutes to an hour or sometimes longer. The symptoms of a panic attack may look like other mental health conditions. One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one. You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur.
What causes panic attacks?
It's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but these factors may play a role:
- Genetics.
- Major stress.
- Temperament that is more sensitive to stress or prone to negative emotions.
- Certain changes in the way parts of your brain function.
Panic attacks may come on suddenly and without warning at first, but over time, they're usually triggered by certain situations.
What are the risk factors for panic disorder?
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men. Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
- Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder.
- Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one.
- A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident.
- Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby.
- Smoking or excessive caffeine intake.
- History of childhood physical or abuse.
When to see a doctor?
If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment. Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.
How is panic disorder diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or a mental health professional may diagnose you with panic disorder based on your symptoms. Generally, if you have 4 or more panic attacks and if you are in constant fear of having another, you have panic disorder.
How is panic disorder treated?
Treatment may include Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatment for panic disorders is usually quite effective. Treatment will help you learn to recognize that the symptoms are not life-threatening. You will also learn coping skills and ways to relax to decrease the intensity and length of the panic attack.
References
Panic attacks and panic disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic