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Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Panic attack

It can begin without cause or may be related to specific situations like a crowded restaurant or stadium. Sometimes just thinking about a particular situation can cause severe anxiety. People who have frequent panic attacks can learn to avoid situations when they fear an attack can be triggered, or where they can’t easily escape if an attack occurs. If the pattern of avoidance and anxiety is severe, it can turn into agoraphobia (phobia of open spaces). Panic attack symptoms are similar to those of the myocardial infarction. For this reason, many people seek emergency treatment. If someone has angina (chest pain) or other symptoms of heart attack, it must be immediately taken to the emergency room for specific treatment.

Uncommon in children or adolescents. Children who have disorders related to panic or panic attacks have other symptoms than those listed above. They may be afraid of common things; such as insects, or they can be worried about some monsters or when they go to bed alone. These children may refuse to go to school or become very upset when separated from parents.

Related disorders of panic consist in episodes of panic attacks. Not everyone who has panic attacks develop a disorder. A person is diagnosed with the disorder if it has at least two unexpected attacks and fear or concern that it may happen again, by avoiding situations that might trigger it.

These attacks cause symptoms from mild to severe and last longer than 30 minutes. The first attack occurs without warning, during normal activity (walking down the street, going shopping). The feeling is confusion, something terrible will happen. Appears a need to leave the place, and withdrawing to a safe area (car or house). Accompanied by physical symptoms like difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat or chest pain. The maximum intensity of symptoms takes about 10 minutes.

Panic attacks can be triggered by a specific action (using too much caffeine), situation (large crowds) or without apparent cause. People who have experienced a panic attack develop fear of going through this experience (anticipatory anxiety) and avoid social activities (agoraphobia). About half of people with panic related disorders have agoraphobia. Isolation interferes with interpersonal relationships and workplace, especially with family and close friends.

Other common characteristics related to panic disorders are

Panic

– Drug or alcohol use (to inhibit fear and for creating a false sense of courage to cope with difficult situations);
– Depression;
– Phobias (various unjustified fears);
– Anxiety-related disorders (PTSD);
– Difficult relationships with people with social positions because intense anxiety.

The first panic attack occurs during routine activities and, for many people, coincides with a period of their lives full of stress (a life-threatening illness, an accident, ending a relationship, separation from family). Sometimes the first panic attack occurs after childbirth.

It is possible that the first attack would come as a reaction to drugs, nicotine or caffeine. But once the issue what caused the attack is resolved, attacks may return. Experts believe that stressful circumstances may give rise to a cycle of panic attacks in people predisposed to panic related disorders.

Recurrent panic attacks can be mild to severe and can continue for years, especially when it is associated with agoraphobia. There may be long periods without attacks, and periods of frequent attacks. Related panic disorders may permanently (lifetime) follow, but symptoms can be controlled with treatment. Most people with this problem recover with treatment and lead a normal life. However, it may reappear if treatment is stopped too early.

Specialist consultation

It is done when:

– Attacks of intense fear or anxiety occurs for no reason;
– You have a panic attack or a concern that a panic attack can appear, worry that interferes with daily activities;
– Occasional symptoms with no known cause (as breathing difficulties or chest pain).

Recommended specialists:

The following doctors can diagnose panic disorder and can collaborate for its treatment, alienating the caused disturbances:

– Specialist in emergency medicine;
– Family doctors;
– GP (General practitioners).

Treatment for panic attacks can also be prescribed by:

– Psychiatrist;
– Psychologist;
– Social worker specially trained in disorders caused by panic;
– Advisor;
– Hospitals, clinics, family agencies with programs for people with panic disorders.

It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of panic attack of myocardial infarction or other serious medical problems. If a person has the symptoms of a panic attack, it should consult a doctor to eliminate other medical causes.
Disorders caused by panic are diagnosed based on medical history and examinations. The doctor asks the patient for information about symptoms after listening his heart and checking blood pressure, and, may request further medical tests. It will also eliminate other diseases that have similar symptoms (myocardial infarction, mitral valve prolapse, hyperthyroidism).

Outpatient treatment (at home)

The patient can reduce the number of panic attacks, in case they were triggered by panic disorders, reducing the severity of symptoms when an attack occurs:

– Reducing anxiety by lowering activity of nervous tension and by lowering the daily stress in life;
– Performing relaxation exercises that involve 10-20 minutes of deep breathing and muscle relaxation – exercises performed every day;
– Exercise that improves breathing and heart rate – several times a week;
– Restrictions on alcohol and caffeine (or elimination);
– Enrolling in a therapy group, such as those organized by professional associations;
– Balanced diet that includes fresh and nutritious aliments – avoiding foods high in sugar and fat.

Support for family members

When a person has a panic attack, the whole family suffers. The other members feel frustrated, tired (because it take some responsibility) or socially isolated because the sick person restricts the family activities. Family therapy – a counseling – involving that the whole family can help all family members.

Medications

Medication for disorders caused by panic is used to keep under control the symptoms of panic attacks, reducing their number and severity, or anxiety and fear associated with the emergence of a new attack. The drugs are effective when associated with counseling and outpatient treatment (relaxation exercises).

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