PANIC ATTACK
A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear and terror that triggers severe physical reactions such as palpitations, sweating without no real danger or apparent cause.
- These episodes can occur at anytime, anywhere, at the mall, while driving a car, in the middle of a business meeting, and even during sleep.
- A panic attack may be triggered or begin unexpectedly without warning, and they may last from seconds to minutes, to hours.
- When a panic attack occurs, a person experiencing it may believe they are dying, having a heart attack, losing control, or going crazy.
- Panic attacks may occur occasionally or may be frequent.
- Panic attacks are not life-threatening but can be very frightening. As a result, people who have repeated panic attacks often get worried about having another attack and may make changes to their lifestyle which can severely affect daily activities and overall quality of life.
- Some people refuse to leave their house or avoid certain situations that remind them of their previous attacks.
- Panic attacks are more common in females than in males and often begin during puberty or early adulthood. Children and older adults are commonly not affected.
CAUSES
The underlying causes of a panic attack are:
- Genetics, there is evidence that the tendency to have a panic attack may sometimes be inherited.
- Exposure to an object of phobia
- Medication withdrawal
- Major stress
- Certain changes in the way parts of the brain function
- Biological cause such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, Wilson’s disease, labyrinthitis, postural orthostatic, hypoglycaemia, hypothyroidism
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks include:
- A family history of panic attacks
- Major life stress such as death or serious illness of a loved one.
- Significant life changes such as divorce or addition of a baby
- A traumatic event such as a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse, serious accident.
- Smoking or excessive caffeine intake
- Having an anxious temperament, excessive need for assurance.
SYMPTOMS
- Palpitations
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- A sense that something bad will happen
- Rapid heart rate
- Hot or cold flashes
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea or faintness
- Burning sensation in the facial or neck area
- Numbness
- Chills
- A headache
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Sensation of choking
- Difficulty moving
- Feeling of detachment
DIAGNOSIS
Several tests will be performed to see if your symptoms are not caused by other conditions with similar symptoms of panic attack such as heart or thyroid problem.
- The doctor will perform a blood test to check your thyroid functions and other possible conditions, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart functions.
- A mental evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears, stressful situations, and family history will also be carried out.
TREATMENT
Treatment option can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your attacks and improve function in daily life. The main treatments are psychotherapy and medications.
Psychotherapy may be effective to help you understand your condition and learn how to cope. The form of psychotherapy used is the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where you learn that panic symptoms are not dangerous.
Medications have been shown to be effective in managing and reducing symptoms, they include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors such as venlafaxine
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and clonazepam.
All these medications have been approved by the FDA for treating panic attack