Panic Disorder

Definition -

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Individuals with panic disorder often experience a persistent fear of having another panic attack, which can lead to avoidance of certain situations or places where panic attacks have occurred in the past. This avoidance behavior can significantly impact daily life and may lead to the development of agoraphobia, where individuals avoid places or situations where they feel trapped, embarrassed, or unable to escape in the event of a panic attack.

Causes -

Causes of panic disorder can have a familial component, although the exact reasons why some family members develop it while others don't are still unclear. A lot of researchers believe that specific areas of the brain and biological processes related to fear and anxiety are significant factors in understanding panic disorder. Some theories suggest that panic attacks occur when our body's survival instincts are overly active or misinterpreted, leading to what can be seen as "false alarms." For instance, someone with panic disorder may mistake symptoms like a racing heart for a heart attack. This misunderstanding can trigger a cycle of panic attacks, which are the central feature of the disorder. Scientists are actively studying the brain-body interactions in individuals with panic disorder to develop more targeted treatments. Additionally, they are investigating the roles of stress and environmental factors in the development and exacerbation of the disorder.

Symptoms -

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, intense worry about when the next panic attack will happen, fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, chills, pounding/racing heart, difficulty breathing, chest pain, stomach pain, and dizziness.

Treatments -

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 (sometimes called “talk therapy”), medication, or both. It’s best to speak with a healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is also used commonly to deal with panic disorder. (Mentioned above dealing with PTSD). Exposure therapy is a common CBT method that focuses on confronting the fears and beliefs associated with panic disorder to help you engage in activities you have been avoiding. Exposure therapy is sometimes used along with relaxation exercises. Medications can be also used to treat Panic Disorder and a few medication examples are antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta-blockers, and other anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines.