Panic disorder is characterized by attacks
of fear and terror that are usually accompanied by profuse sweating, pounding heart, faintness, dizziness and weakness.
During these attacks, the victim feels flushed or chilled and their hands tingle and feel numb.
They may also experience chest pains and nausea. These attacks usually stimulate a sense of unreality and fear
of losing control and impending doom.
Sometimes the individuals they think they are losing their minds, having heart attacks
or are about to die. They cannot predict where or when their attacks will occur so time between episodes can be
filled with worries and anxieties. Some dread the embarrassment from the next attack that they quit their
jobs and opt to remain at home instead.
Typical Duration
Panic attacks can take place even when asleep. An attack usually lasts 10 minutes or less. Nearly 6 million
American adults suffer this condition and it is more
common in women than men. The symptoms appear in late adolescence or in early adulthood but not all who
experiences a panic attack eventually develop a full disorder.
Those who have redundant and full-blown attacks are disabled by their condition. Therefore they should seek
treatment before they isolate themselves from society. In some cases the attacks can lead to
trauma. For example, if an attack took place in an elevator, the person may become afraid of
getting into elevators.
Panic attacks can restrict the lives of people suffering from this disorder. It also makes them avoid normal
daily activities like driving or grocery shopping. About 1/3 of victims stay at home and
are not able to confront their fears unless they are with their spouse or someone they trust.
Panic disorders are accompanied by other anxiety disorders, or depression. It can also be associated with
substance or alcohol abuse. These conditions must be treated separately because the person will not be able
to heal if he is still induced in alcohol or drugs.
Determining the cause
Panic disorder sometimes runs in families. But there are also cases where
people without a family history still develop it.
Other factors include stressful life occurrences, surroundings and an unstable state of mind.
Usually, the first attack is due to physical illness.
Attacks that follow are due to stress or side effects to a certain kind of medication.
Those who tend to take on too many responsibilities may also be at higher risk.
Studies show that there are specific brain areas involved. Fear is the emotion that evolves whenever
there is danger. There is a stimuli in the brain that
causes a fast and protected response whenever this emotion arises.
Eating disorders and other mood disorders can also
lead to panic disorders such as clinical depression and bipolar personality disorder.
Panic attacks are caused by stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Chemicals like carbon monoxide can also trigger
the attacks. The response varies from person to person.
Treating the condition
Panic disorder can be disabling but it can also be regulated. The troubling symptoms are often mistaken
as mental instability. This misconception prevents people who suffer the disease to see their physicians.
The treatment for panic disorder is medication. There is also a kind of psychotherapy termed as
cognitive-behavioral therapy which greatly assists those who have the disorder. The individual must go to a
mental health professional (psychiatrist, professional counselor, social worker or psychologist) he
trusts for personal attention.
NEXT: Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms & treatments
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