Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense anxiety that occurs without any threat or danger. Panic disorder is characterized by frequent panic attacks, or excessive worry about such panic attacks occurring again. 

How to identify panic attacks?

• Palpitations or rapid heart rate

• Sweating, trembling or shaking

• Shortness of breath or feeling of choking

• Nausea or discomfort in the stomach

• Dizziness or fainting

• Numbness or tingling 

• Feeling of unreality or feeling disconnected from the body

• Fear of losing control or dying

What causes panic disorder?

Panic disorder is caused by a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors. Biological factors include Imbalances in brain chemicals and changes in the way the brain regulates fear responses. Major stressors or conflicts can also play a role. The use of stimulants such as smoking or excessive caffeine can also increase the risk of having panic attacks. 

When to seek help?

It’s normal for our fight or flight response to get activated when there’s an actual threat in the environment. However, in the case of panic attacks, this response gets activated without any trigger. Having one panic attack in itself is not a cause for concern. It’s important to seek help when a person experiences frequent panic attacks or avoids situations for fear of getting a panic attack. 

What is the treatment for panic disorder? 

A combination of medicines and psychotherapy is usually the most effective treatment for panic disorder. Anti-anxiety medicines work on correcting neurotransmitter imbalances and providing immediate relief during panic attacks. Cognitive behavioural therapy works on changing the person’s interpretation of physical sensations and modifying unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. Relaxation training can help individuals control the fight-flight response. Newer techniques like virtual simulation therapy also have a role to play in treatment.