Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
Imagine you are on the subway or just doing your weekly grocery shopping, when suddenly, you are hit with an overwhelming wave of fear and panic. Your heart starts racing, your palms get sweaty, you have difficulty breathing and you start to feel dizzy. At that moment, you might genuinely believe you're having a heart attack, losing your mind, or facing imminent danger. However, what you're experiencing may be a panic attack—a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and comes with physical symptoms.
Frequently, individuals undergoing panic attacks rush to the emergency room or consult a medical professional, unaware that they're dealing with a psychological condition. If you've ever had a panic attack, it is recommended you reach out to a mental health professional, as this condition is highly treatable through therapy.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
An individual who meets criteria for panic disorder has both recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, meaning they can occur at any time or any place.
Panic attacks include four or more of the following symptoms:
· Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate
· Sweating
· Trembling or shaking
· Shortness of breath, feeling of choking, chest pain or discomfort
· Nausea or abdominal stress
· Dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or fainting
· Chills or heart sensations
· Numbness or tingling sensations
· Depersonalization (feeling detached from yourself) or derealization (feeling detached from the world)
· Fear of losing control or going crazy; fear of dying
Other symptoms of panic disorder include experiencing intense fear about having additional panic attacks and changing one’s routine to prevent a panic attack. People often worry about their health and the possible social consequences of having a panic attack in public. Certain individuals may cease using public transportation or reduce their outings to prevent panic attacks. Some might venture outside only when accompanied by someone they believe can assist them if a panic attack occurs. Additionally, individuals with panic disorder might refrain from physical exertion, fearing it could potentially trigger an attack.
Expected vs Unexpected Panic attacks:
Panic attacks can be expected, which means there are certain situations that the panic attacks typically occur (i.e., public speaking, on an airplane) or unexpected, where it occurs randomly and there is no identifiable trigger.
How frequently do panic attacks typically occur?
The frequency of panic attacks can be different depending on the individual. For some people it’s once a week or month and for others it can be multiple times a day.
Consequences:
When left untreated, panic disorder can lead to a host of consequences including social, occupational, and financial. Individuals with panic disorder will spent a lot of money on doctor visits each time they experience the physical symptoms in attempt to get a diagnosis or understand how to treat this condition. People dealing with this disorder often skip work or social gatherings due to the fear of experiencing another panic attack, which can strain relationships and lead to work-related difficulties.
Causes of Panic Disorder
There is no one identifiable cause for panic disorder, but it is linked to the following risk factors:
Genetics: Individuals with a family history of panic disorder are more likely to be diagnosed.
Stressful life event: Stressful life events can precede panic attacks such as losing a loved one, prolonged stress (from work, relationship etc.), sudden life change (moving, job).
Temperament: Some individuals are more sensitive to stress and anxiety.
History of childhood physical or sexual abuse: Individuals with a history of abuse are more at risk for panic disorder
Prevalence
According to the DSM-5, the 12-month prevalence rate for panic disorder in the United States is about 2-3%. Like other anxiety and related disorders, panic disorder is more prevalent amongst females; however, this gender difference might be attributed to females being more proactive in seeking treatment for anxiety than men. The age of onset for panic disorder is typically around 20-24 years old.
Treatments for Panic Disorder
The first line of treatment for panic disorder is exposure therapy, part of cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapeutic method entails a gradual confrontation of an individual's fears, helping them build tolerance towards their anxiety. In the case of panic disorder, individuals have learned to perceive these physical symptoms as dangerous and harmful. They also develop the belief that they cannot endure these symptoms and must do everything to prevent another panic attack. Exposure therapy for panic disorder specifically targets this avoidance behavior and challenges two key beliefs: the idea that "these symptoms indicate I'm in danger" and "I can't handle this."
During exposure therapy for panic disorder, the client and therapist work together to intentionally induce the physical symptoms experienced during panic attacks in a safe and controlled environment. This exposure involves various activities, such as hyperventilating, breathing through a straw, running in place, tensing muscles, spinning around repeatedly, shaking one's head, or swallowing repeatedly. The aim is to replicate symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
By exposing the client to these symptoms during therapy sessions, they gradually come to realize that even though they feel uncomfortable, they can tolerate these sensations. Consequently, when similar symptoms arise outside of therapy, they no longer interpret them as dangerous or harmful. Furthermore, as treatment progresses, the therapist encourages the client to re-engage in activities they had been avoiding due to panic attacks. This could involve using public transportation, visiting specific stores, or engaging in physical exercise.
Begin getting help with your panic today! Reach out to find out about your options for overcoming your fear and returning to living the life you’ve been wanting to, free from panic.