Panic Disorder
When there is no immediate danger or obvious reason, a panic attack is a rapid bout of great terror that results in significant physical symptoms. Panic attacks can be extremely terrifying. You might believe you are losing control, experiencing a heart attack, or even going to pass away when panic attacks strike.
Many people only experience one or two panic attacks throughout their lives, and the issue usually goes away when a stressful circumstance is over. However, if you’ve experienced frequent, unanticipated panic attacks and have endured protracted periods of continual anxiety about an attack, you may be suffering from a disease known as panic disorder.
Even if panic attacks don’t pose a life-threatening threat, they can nonetheless be terrifying and have a substantial impact on your quality of life. However, treatment is often highly successful.
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Panic Disorder Symptoms
Typically, panic episodes start abruptly and without warning. Anytime, whether you’re driving, at the mall, fast asleep, or in the middle of a business meeting, they can happen. You could experience panic episodes infrequently or regularly.
Although there are different types of panic attacks, symptoms often peak within minutes. After a panic episode, you could feel exhausted and worn out.
Some of these symptoms or indicators are frequently present during panic attacks:
- Unreality or a sense of remoteness
- A feeling of imminent calamity or doom
- Fear of losing control or passing away
- A hammering, rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Throat discomfort or shortness of breath
- Chills
- A hot flash
- Nausea
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Chest discomfort
- Headache
- Unsteadiness, faintness, or dizziness
- The feeling of numbness or tingling
The tremendous worry that you will experience another panic attack is among the worst aspects of them. You can be so afraid of experiencing panic attacks that you steer clear of circumstances where they might happen.
Panic Disorder Causes
Although the exact cause of panic episodes or panic disorder is unknown, the following factors might be involved:
- Genetics
- Major anxiety
- Temperament that is more vulnerable to anxiety or other
- Undesirable feelings
Various modifications to how certain brain regions work
At initially, panic attacks may strike unexpectedly and without notice, but over time, they are typically brought on by particular circumstances.
According to some studies, panic episodes may be a result of your body’s normal fight-or-flight reaction to danger. For instance, your body would respond automatically if a grizzly bear pursued you. Your breathing and pulse rate would quicken as your body braced for a potentially fatal circumstance. In a panic attack, many of the same responses take place. However, it is uncertain why a panic attack happens when there is no immediate risk.
Risk Factors Of Panic Disorder
More women than men experience the symptoms of panic disorder, which frequently appear in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The likelihood of having panic episodes or panic disorder may be increased by a number of factors, which include:
- Panic disorder or panic attacks in the family
- Significant life stressors like a loved one’s death or critical sickness
- An upsetting occasion, such as a sexual attack or a serious accident
- Significant life changes, like being divorced or having a baby
- Smoking or consuming too much coffee
- Maltreatment inflicted physically or sexually throughout infancy
Whenever To Visit A Doctor
If you experience the signs of a panic attack, get medical attention right away. Although extremely painful, panic attacks are not harmful. However, panic attacks can be challenging to control on your own, and they might worsen if left untreated.
If you are unsure of the source of your symptoms or believe they may be related to another significant health issue, such as a heart attack, it is crucial to see your primary care provider for an evaluation.
