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A complete guide to Panic Attacks

A complete guide to Panic Attacks

Niyati Thole 721 01-Mar-2022
Panic does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of Its strength.

What are Panic attacks?

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unpredictable panic attacks as well as a persistent fear of panic attacks.

When you experience sudden, intense anxiety or fear for no apparent reason, you panic. There may also be physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and sweating.

Most people experience panic attacks at least twice in their lifetime. Others often have panic episodes for no apparent reason. Panic disorder has been described as a persistent fear of panic disorder (or its symptoms) for at least a month.

The symptoms of panic disorder are high energy and scary, but they can be controlled and treated with treatment. Getting help is the most important step in reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Panic attack symptoms:

5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5)

According to a reliable source, a panic attack is 'an immediate increase in panic or severe pain that peaks in minutes.'

Episodes related to panic attacks strike without notice. The attack usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes. In severe cases, the symptoms may last for more than an hour. Everyone's experience is unique and symptoms vary frequently.

The most common symptoms of a panic attack are:

  • Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feels like you're out of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Cold or sweat
  • Shaking or shaking
  • Changes in your mood, such as detachment (false) or divorce (separation from you)
  • Tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, or face
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • You are afraid to die

A specific event or external stimulus can sometimes trigger panic attacks. Symptoms of fear appear even for no apparent reason. Symptoms usually do not correspond to the severity of the threat in your environment.

Because of their unpredictable nature, panic attacks can have a great impact on your daily life. Some people experience panic attacks at work, in public, or even at home.

If you have four or more panic attacks or you have panic attacks one after the other, you may have panic disorder. You must have an unexpected panic attack to receive the clinical definition of panic disorder.

What triggers panic attacks?

The causes of panic disorder are unknown and research is still ongoing.

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of panic disorder.

Genetics:

The evidence is contradictory as to whether your genetics increase your risk of developing a panic disorder.

According to a 2020 study, panic disorder may have a genetic predisposition. Researchers have identified 40 different genes associated with panic disorder, most of which are linked to our body's neurotransmitter system (which controls communication between our nerve cells). He noted that biomarker testing can help diagnose panic disorder.

Life thrives:

Stressful life experiences such as significant life changes and arguing with relatives have been linked to panic disorder. Although life changes are happy and beneficial, they bring new problems and worries every day.

There may be events, for example:

  • Leaving home for university
  • Moving
  • Death of a close friend or family member
  • Accident
  • The birth of your first child
  • Start a new job

In life-changing moments, it is important to take care of your mental and physical health. When you are under a lot of stress or facing a challenging situation, you deserve help.

For emotional support, consider contacting a trusted loved one. When you are depressed, set boundaries and express your feelings. A therapist or other mental health professional can help you.

Anxiety:

Panic attacks and panic disorders are associated with a tendency to be nervous and anxious. Panic attacks are included in the DSM-5 under the heading Anxiety Disorders. Panic and anxiety disorders are both chronic diseases.

Anxiety, fear, or high anxiety are common symptoms of anxiety. When you are worried about being successful in social events or environments with a lot of people, for example, you may have social anxiety. You may feel self-conscious and experience ****** symptoms such as sweating or shivering.

It is natural for people to worry occasionally. However, anxiety at all times should be taken seriously and may indicate generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Panic Disorder vs Panic Attack:

Panic attacks are always part of a panic disorder. However, frequent panic attacks do not indicate that you have panic disorder.

When diagnosing the panic disorder, doctors consider the number and frequency of panic attacks. They also think about how you feel when you are with them.

Panic episodes affect most people at some point in their lives. However, if you often have panic attacks and are afraid of having them again, you may have panic disorder.

Panic disorder problems:

If left untreated, panic disorder can have a significant impact on your daily life and general health.

  • Untreated panic disorder can have the following adverse health consequences:
  • Agoraphobia is the fear of being alone (fear of going to places and seeing people)
  • To cope, you may develop a drug abuse situation.
  • Disappointment
  • Suicidal ideation is a type of suicidal behavior

Panic attacks and panic disorders can be detrimental to the social development of children or teens. It can be hard to go to school, leave home or continue a relationship if you are afraid of panic attacks.

Take away:

Panic disorder is often a chronic problem that is difficult to overcome. If you have had many manic episodes and are afraid of having them again, you may be in pain. Treatment may not be able to completely 'cure' your panic disorder but can assist. Therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attempting to reduce life challenges, and taking pills are all possible solutions.

Panic disorder usually strikes in one's early twenties, and studies suggest that it impacts women more than males. Panic attacks and panic disorder are more likely if you have an anxiety problem.

Try to be aware of any anxiety symptoms that arise after a life-changing event. If you're concerned about something you've experienced or been exposed to, talk to your doctor or a mental health expert about it.

Panic disorder is treatable and manageable. There is assistance available, and you are not alone.



Niyati Thole

Student

An inquisitive individual with a great interest in the subjectivity of human experiences, behavior, and the complexity of the human mind. Enthusiased to learn, volunteer, and participate. Always driven by the motive to make a difference in the sphere of mental health - and normalize seeking help through a sensitive and empathetic approach

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