Panic Disorder
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Panic disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences recurring panic attacks that occur without warning. Panic attacks are episodes of sudden intense fear or sense of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and the feeling that one might lose control or die.
What distinguishes panic disorder from isolated panic attacks is that the attacks recur repeatedly, and the person begins to constantly worry about future attacks or changes their behavior to avoid situations they believe might trigger them. Many people experience a panic attack at some point in their lives without developing this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of attacks include rapid heartbeat, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sensation of choking or suffocation, trembling or shaking in the limbs, dizziness, sweating, and the sensation that one is disconnected from oneself or that reality is unreal. Attacks typically reach peak intensity within minutes and then subside. Because of the physical symptoms, many people initially seek emergency care believing they are having a heart attack.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause. It is understood to involve a combination of genetic factors (the condition runs in some families), the way the nervous system responds to fear, and life circumstances such as chronic stress, loss, or major life changes. High caffeine use, smoking, and some medications are known to increase the frequency of attacks.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is based on a health interview and medical tests to rule out physical conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or heart conditions. Treatment typically consists of talk therapy in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy, in which the person is trained to understand and manage their bodily sensations, and sometimes medication prescribed by doctors. Breathing exercises and gradual exposure to feared situations are common components of treatment.