High Anxiety: Six Common Realities of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
At some point in our lives, we have all panicked. Whether it be before a big presentation at work or meeting your in-laws for the first time, panic is something we all experience. However, when panic leads to being chronic and alarming response to everyday life, it may be time to seek some professional help to overcome anxiety and panic attacks.
Listed below are six common realities of living with panic attacks and panic disorder.
1. What Causes a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear which is triggered and experienced differently for every individual. Causes are unclear, and whilst it is common for panic attacks to run within families, medical professionals at Summit Behavioral Health (a substance abuse and mental health treatment center) say, the onset of panic attack can usually be traced back to a traumatic or life-altering event.
In many cases, major life transitions such the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or the birth of a child can precede an initial panic attack. Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. If you’re suffering from symptoms of panic, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
2. The experience of a Panic Attack
A single panic attack may only last a few minutes, however the effects of the experience can leave a lasting imprint. In cases where the individual has a panic disorder, the recurrent attacks can take a significant emotional toll.
Whilst not everyone will experience the exact same panic attack, in most cases a panic attack will begin with uncontrollable sweating, heart racing and even uncontrollable trembling. Unfortunately, the memory of the intense fear and terror that you felt during the attacks can negatively impact your self-confidence and cause serious disruption to your everyday life.
3. The Physical Science behind a Panic Attack
Researchers have found that certain regions of the brain become hyperactive during a panic attack. These regions include the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain, and parts of the midbrain that control a range of functions, including our experience of pain.
Further to this, according to psychiatrists at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, in Baltimore, Maryland, panic attacks occur in response to erratic fear circuitry in the brain. A tightening in the chest causes you to inhale more carbon dioxide, which can trigger hyperventilation. This domino effect of intensifying fear usually lasts anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour.
4. The Chemical Reaction
Many experts commonly describe panic attack as a series of chemical reactions that directly impact the body’s calcium cell levels. In turn, a calcium imbalance in the body can result in:
5 . Panic Attack vs. Panic Disorder
An individual can have a panic attack and never experience another episode in their lifetime. However, experts believe that attacks that continue for longer than a month may indicate a panic disorder or several related anxiety disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, or Agoraphobia.
6. Treatment for Panic Disorder
Given that some studies indicate that 30-percent of patients with panic disorder will attempt suicide and that experiencing panic attacks on a regular basis can be quite debilitating, it is important that treatment is sought for those having chronic panic attacks or experience panic disorder.
Common treatments for panic disorder include doctor monitored cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, and stress management.
Listed below are six common realities of living with panic attacks and panic disorder.
1. What Causes a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear which is triggered and experienced differently for every individual. Causes are unclear, and whilst it is common for panic attacks to run within families, medical professionals at Summit Behavioral Health (a substance abuse and mental health treatment center) say, the onset of panic attack can usually be traced back to a traumatic or life-altering event.
In many cases, major life transitions such the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or the birth of a child can precede an initial panic attack. Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. If you’re suffering from symptoms of panic, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
2. The experience of a Panic Attack
A single panic attack may only last a few minutes, however the effects of the experience can leave a lasting imprint. In cases where the individual has a panic disorder, the recurrent attacks can take a significant emotional toll.
Whilst not everyone will experience the exact same panic attack, in most cases a panic attack will begin with uncontrollable sweating, heart racing and even uncontrollable trembling. Unfortunately, the memory of the intense fear and terror that you felt during the attacks can negatively impact your self-confidence and cause serious disruption to your everyday life.
3. The Physical Science behind a Panic Attack
Researchers have found that certain regions of the brain become hyperactive during a panic attack. These regions include the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain, and parts of the midbrain that control a range of functions, including our experience of pain.
Further to this, according to psychiatrists at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, in Baltimore, Maryland, panic attacks occur in response to erratic fear circuitry in the brain. A tightening in the chest causes you to inhale more carbon dioxide, which can trigger hyperventilation. This domino effect of intensifying fear usually lasts anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour.
4. The Chemical Reaction
Many experts commonly describe panic attack as a series of chemical reactions that directly impact the body’s calcium cell levels. In turn, a calcium imbalance in the body can result in:
- A breakdown of several muscles thus experiencing shaking, nausea, numbness and muscle spasms
- Temperature changes such as chills, hot flashes or perspiration
- Heart and lung impacts such as dizziness, tight chest or racing heart
- Impact on emotional functions such as feeling loss of control, doom or an unreasonable fear of death
5 . Panic Attack vs. Panic Disorder
An individual can have a panic attack and never experience another episode in their lifetime. However, experts believe that attacks that continue for longer than a month may indicate a panic disorder or several related anxiety disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, or Agoraphobia.
6. Treatment for Panic Disorder
Given that some studies indicate that 30-percent of patients with panic disorder will attempt suicide and that experiencing panic attacks on a regular basis can be quite debilitating, it is important that treatment is sought for those having chronic panic attacks or experience panic disorder.
Common treatments for panic disorder include doctor monitored cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, and stress management.
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