Do you usually get sudden attacks of anxiety or panic that last for minutes and feel like an eternity?
Your heart beats so fast, you are not able to breathe or cannot think clearly. If these attacks occur unpredictably without any apparent reason causing you to worry about the possibility of having another one at any time then you probably have panic disorder.
However, the good news is that you can be treated. Read more to find out what panic attack disorder is, its symptoms, causes, and its treatment.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety condition where a person experiences sudden and intense feelings of fear or discomfort, known as panic attacks. These attacks can happen anytime and are accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
People with panic disorder often worry about having future attacks and may avoid certain situations or places as a result. This condition can greatly impact daily life and well-being.
Panic disorder often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
There are many symptoms of panic attacks that can help you be clear about your condition. Following are the symptoms people with panic disorder may have:
- Sudden and repeated panic attacks of overwhelming anxiety and fear
- A feeling of being out of control, or a fear of death or impending doom during a panic attack
- An intense worry about when the next panic attack will happen
- A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
- Intense panic attacks of fear and anxiety without any apparent reason for fear and anxiety
- Fear of death or impending doom during a panic attack
- Worry about the next panic attack- when and where it will happen
- Refraining from the places where panic attacks have taken place in the past
With these symptoms, there are some physical signs as well. These signs are given below:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Chills
- Trembling
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or dizziness
- Tingly or numb hands
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain or nausea
Causes of Panic Disorder
The exact causes of panic disorder are not fully understood But it’s thought to be linked to a combination of things. Researchers have found that several parts of the brain and certain biological processes may play a crucial role in fear and anxiety. Some researchers think panic attacks are like “false alarms”.
These are some of the possible causes of panic disorder:
1. Genetics
Genetics can be involved in having panic disorder, as it tends to run in families. Certain genes may influence how the brain responds to stress and fear.
2. Brain Chemistry
Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and stress responses, may play a role in panic disorder.
3. Life Events
Traumatic experiences, major life changes, or ongoing stress may trigger panic attacks in some individuals. These events can contribute to the development of panic disorder.
4. Biological Factors
Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or heart conditions, can cause panic disorder.
5. Personality
Certain personality traits, such as a tendency to be anxious or sensitive to stress, may increase the risk of developing panic disorder.
Treatment of Panic Disorder
If you’re experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, talk to a healthcare provider. After discussing your history, a health care provider may conduct a physical exam to ensure that an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms. A health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. The first step to effective treatment is to get a diagnosis, usually from a mental health professional.
Panic disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Speak with a healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.
1. Psychotherapy
Clinical psychologists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported type of psychotherapy treat panic disorder. CBT teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the feelings that happen during or before a panic attack. The attacks can become less frequent once you learn to react differently to the physical sensations of anxiety and fear during a panic attack.
2. Medication
Healthcare providers may prescribe medication to treat panic disorder. Different types of medication can be effective, including:
- Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines
Both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to work. Many people try more than one medication before finding the best one for them. A healthy lifestyle also can help combat panic disorder.
You may contact SehatYab helpline, to learn more on which treatment option is best for you or book an appointment to consult online with psychologist or psychiatrist at SehatYab.
Conclusion
Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and intense panic attacks that can significantly impact daily life. While its exact causes are not fully understood, genetic, biological, and environmental factors may contribute. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Seeking help from a healthcare provider is important for management of panic disorder, with many individuals able to improve their symptoms and quality of life with proper care.