What is a Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks. Panic attacks are an intense fear or discomfort when there is no real danger. It can reach a peak within minutes and involve at least four symptoms from below:

Symptoms?

Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate

Sweating

Trembling or shaking

Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering

Feeling of choking

Chest pain or discomfort

Nausea or abdominal distress

Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint

Chills or heat sensations

Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations

Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)

Fear of losing control or going crazy

Fear of dying

The cycle of a panic disorder

Recognizing panic disorder

How you might think:

Thoughts that something terrible is about to happen

Thoughts that you are going to die

Thoughts that you have to escape right now

How you might feel:

A feeling of coming doom

Anxious

Afraid

Terrified

Scared

Worried

Short breath

Heart racing

Seating

Shaking

How you might act:

Escape situations that you see as dangerous

Take protective actions (safety behaviors) to help manage in situations you are afraid of

Avoid situations where you have panicked before or where you worry you might panic

Stay vigilant for body sensations or cues that could indicate the onset of a panic attack

Causes of a Panic Disorder?

Strong biological reactions to stress: Some people’s bodies produce more stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Anxiety sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to the feeling of their bodies. They are most likely to notice them and misinterpret them as dangerous.

Cognitive Biases including catastrophizing: These ‘ thinking habits’ that create an end of the world mindset may have been learned through our caregivers.

Other psychological problems: people suffering from a wide range of psychological problems such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) or PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) usually experience panic attacks.

Genetic Factors: Some genes predispose people to develop emotional problems in general but no specific genes which predispose people to develop panic

Who does it affect?

Panic disorder can affect anyone but it usually begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Women are more likely to have a panic disorder.

Treatment?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice for panic disorder. Medication should be only used in the long-term management of panic disorder and be very selective.