Panic disorder

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What is panic disorder?

A series of unplanned panic attacks is the hallmark of panic disorder. The fact that panic attacks typically occur unexpectedly and are unrelated to any medical or mental health issues is one of the primary characteristics of panic disorder.

Not every person who has a panic episode goes on to have panic disorder.

However, they may occur in addition to other circumstances, like:
  • disorders related to anxiety.
  • Mood disorders.
  • Fears.
  • disorders involving psychosis.
  • disorders related to substance usage.
  • problems linked to stress and trauma.
  • certain health issues.

What distinguishes an anxiety attack from a panic attack?

The primary distinction is that anxiety attacks can develop gradually and frequently react to specific events. Panic episodes, on the other hand, usually occur quickly and without warning.

Anxiety frequently manifests physically as knots in the stomach or a pounding feeling in the chest. However, compared to the extremely strong but transient sensations of a panic attack, these are typically weaker and persist longer.

Symptoms and Causes

What signs indicate a panic attack?

A panic attack strikes without warning. The majority of the time, symptoms peak ten minutes after onset and quickly subside. Among the physical signs of a panic attack are:

  • ache in the chest.
  • heart pounding.
  • breathing difficulties, including hyperventilation.
  • trembling or swaying.
  • Feels cold.
  • nausea.
  • perspiration.
  • Your fingers or toes may tingle or become numb.
You might experience:
  • Extreme fear.
  • a feeling of being smothered or choked.
  • apprehension of losing authority.
  • like you’re about to pass away.
  • One may experience depersonalization, which is a sense of being cut off from oneself, or derealization, which is a sense of unreality.

Diagnoses and Examinations

How is a diagnosis of panic disorder made?

Medical practitioners or mental health providers can diagnose panic disorder using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Together with one month or longer of the subsequent symptoms: Your doctor may identify a panic disorder if you experience frequent, unplanned panic attacks.

  • worrying unceasingly about the possibility of experiencing panic episodes or their aftermath.
  • Modifying your actions to steer clear of circumstances that you believe could lead to an assault.

Furthermore, no general medical condition or drug’s direct effects might be the cause of the assaults. Nor can they be more satisfactorily explained by any other mental illness, such as PTSD or a phobia.

Preventions

How do I avoid having panic attacks?

You can learn how to recognize the things that trigger panic attacks from your healthcare professional. You acquire coping mechanisms to control triggering situations and stop an attack during psychotherapy. Furthermore, you can lower your risk of having a panic attack by carrying out the following actions: 

  • Steer clear of alcohol, coffee, and smoke. These may exacerbate panic episodes.
  • Frequent exercise can lift your spirits, reduce stress, and relax you.
  • Eat a diet that is balanced.

How can I avert a panic episode?

Although there isn’t anything you can do to stop a panic attack as soon as it starts, you can control its symptoms until it passes, such as:

  • Using deep breathing exercises
  • Recognizing that you are experiencing a panic attack
  • letting your muscles relax
  • Being conscious

How can I help someone going through a panic attack?

The following actions can help someone you know who is having a panic attack:

  • Remain calm and stay with them.
  • Find out what they require.
  • Talk to them in brief, uncomplicated words.
  • Aid in keeping them present-focused.
  • By gradually counting to five with each breath in and out, you can assist them in developing deep breathing.
  • Reassure them that they are secure and that the attack is only momentary in a calm and certain manner.