What is Panic Disorder?

‍What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder occurs when one experiences a sudden intense fear that leads them to experience a panic attack without a clear trigger or real danger. One might think that they are losing control, that they are having a heart attack, or that they're dying when they experience these intense symptoms. Some people may experience one or two panic attacks throughout their lives during a stressful situation, and they thankfully don't experience them again once the problem is resolved. However, for others, these panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly, which leads them to spend much of their time worrying about the next panic attack. This is when a panic disorder is likely to be diagnosed.

Symptoms:

Panic disorder is likely to involve both cognitive symptoms and physical symptoms. the cognitive symptoms revolve around the person’s fear regarding the panic attack.

Cognitive symptoms:

Feeling that they are out of control, that they are dying, or that they are in an impending doom

Feeling intensely worried about the next panic attack
Fearing and avoiding the places where panic attacks may occur

Panic attacks are also associated (and are mostly recognised by) a group of physical symptoms. These symptoms may either cause the previous cognitive symptoms or be caused by them, as the client would usually go into an intense panic loop.

Physical symptoms:

Racing heart

Sweating
Trembling
Breathing difficulties
Feeling dizzy
Having tingly or numb hands

Chills
Stomach aches
Chest pains
Nausea

Why does it happen?

For the most part, it's quite unknown or undetermined why some people may experience panic disorder. Researchers have gathered a number of potential causes but nothing is for sure just yet. Panic disorder has been proven to run in families, which makes genetics one of the possible causes of the disorder. Some clients may have certain temperaments that make them more sensitive to stress or likely to experience negative emotions. Major life stressors or changes, or traumatic events have also been associated with panic disorder. While clients may be experiencing an underlying cause for the disorder, they are unlikely to be aware of them. These triggers tend to be hidden from both clients and those around them because we tend to repress these negative emotions and thoughts, which then leads them to be expressed or let out in alternative ways, i.e. panic disorder.

Treatment:

If you have been experiencing panic attacks intensely and frequently, it would be best to seek a health care provider in order to rule out any physical problem that could be related to the symptoms. Once they have been ruled out, you should then seek a mental health professional in order to treat the panic disorder. Treatment would involve psychotherapy and/or medications.

Psychotherapy

Several therapy modalities may be used to treat panic disorder through psychotherapy. One of the most commonly used therapeutic modalities is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), by teaches clients to change their way of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the feelings that they experience prior to the panic attack. CBT may also use exposure methods in order to help clients confront their fears or beliefs that are associated with panic disorder, which would then help them decrease their avoidance behaviour that has developed due to the frequent panic attacks. Relaxation exercises are also implemented in the treatment process. Other modalities may also be useful for panic disorder treatment these include schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy modalities.

Medications:

A psychiatrist may deem it necessary to use medications in order to facilitate the treatment process. there is a variety of medications that could be used including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety medications. When using medications, it's important to be aware of any side effects that occur. They are likely to be mild side effects, however, if they are intensely experienced, it's advised to talk with one's health care provider in order to change the medication or the dosage.

A dead-end? Unlikely.

Being diagnosed with a panic disorder doesn't mean that one is helpless to their symptoms. There are methods that one can use to cope with the disorder. There are a few tips for one to can manage panic attacks, these include:

Don't try to fight the panic attack.
Take deep and slow breaths.
Be reminded that the panic attack will pass.

Use the 54321 grounding technique (five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste).

You can also support yourself in other ways:

Educate yourself
Practice stress management techniques
Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing, yoga)
Join a support group
Exercise regularly

Whether you or someone you know is struggling, there is always support out there for whoever needs it. Don’t hesitate to ask for help as soon as you can in order to feel better as soon as possible!

Explore

Resources

More