What are panic attacks and panic disorder?

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Every year, about 11 percent of Americans experience a panic attack, and between two and three percent will go on to develop panic disorder.

Over the past year, Scott Free Clinic has seen an increase in the number of clients reporting experiencing a panic attack, or ongoing panic attacks, so I wanted to provide you with some basic information about this terrible experience.

WHAT IS A PANIC ATTACK AND PANIC DISORDER?
The Mayo Clinic has a concise explanation:

    A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

    Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you’ve had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.

    Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective.

Anyone (including children and teens) can experience a panic attack, anywhere, and at any time. Women are twice as likely to experience a panic attack as are men. What is particularly frightening about panic attacks is they usually begin suddenly and without warning.

Because a panic attack is such an awful experience in every way, it’s not uncommon for a person to develop a fear of having another panic attack. They can foster so much fear and anxiety about having another panic attack that the fear of having another one may contribute to triggering another panic attack.

SYMPTOMS OF A PANIC ATTACK
There are several symptoms of a panic attack, which can include:

  • Sense of impending doom or danger.
  • Fear of losing control.
  • Feel like you’re going to die.
  • Intense feeling of terror.
  • Chest pain.
  • Feeling of constriction in the chest.
  • Racing heart.
  • Sweating.
  • Chills.
  • Choking or smothering sensation.
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
  • Nausea.
  • Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes.
  • Trembling or shaking.
  • Anxious and irrational thinking.
  • Feeling weak, lightheaded, and dizzy.
  • Hot flushes.
  • Tense muscles.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Feelings of unreality and detachment from the environment.

The symptoms can last for several minutes and it is common to feel severely fatigued or “worn out” after an attack.

WHAT CAUSES PANIC ATTACKS?
An exact cause for panic attacks is unknown but there are several things that may be contributing factors:

  • Genetics.
  • Major or chronic stress.
  • Temperament.
  • Changes in brain function.
  • Experiencing a traumatic event.
  • Mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders).
  • Habitual hyperventilation.
  • Sudden change of environment.

HOW DO YOU TREAT PANIC ATTACKS/PANIC DISORDER?
Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder is usually effective and can include the following:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
  • Medication, which may be antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications (sedatives).
  • Reduce and manage stress.
  • Physical exercise.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Reduce caffeine and limit alcohol.
  • Deep-breathing exercises.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation exercises.
  • Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern.
  • Consistently practicing spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, worship).
  • Biofeedback can be very helpful, especially for people struggling with panic disorder.

CONCLUSION
If you think you have experienced a panic attack, see your physician immediately to make sure it actually was a panic attack and not a more serious condition with similar symptoms. If you continue to experience panic attacks, you should see a mental health professional for treatment of panic disorder.

Scotty