Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Treatment for Panic Disorder
Panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, is characterized by sudden, unexpected panic attacks and an intense fear of them. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to be diagnosed with panic disorder, an individual must have recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and at least four of the following 13 symptoms: palpitations, abnormal sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking sensation, chest pain, stomach distress, feeling faint, heat sensations or chills, numbness or tingling, derealization or depersonalization, fear of loss of sanity or control, and mortal fear [1].
Symptoms of panic disorder can mimic potentially fatal medical emergencies, such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and numbness in the hands and fingers. It is not uncommon for people with panic disorder to seek emergency department treatment, with over a million Americans with panic disorder showing up in hospital emergency departments every year, thinking that they're having heart attacks [2].
The causes of panic disorder are not fully understood, but psychiatrists generally cite four risk factors: temperament, environment, genes, and neurobiology. Genetic factors play a role, with some individuals having a genetic susceptibility linked to neurotransmitter systems. Neurochemical abnormalities in the brain may also contribute to the development of panic disorder, as well as misinterpretation of normal body sensations as signs of imminent danger [1].
Luckily, panic disorder is a treatable condition. Many patients respond well to psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, which help individuals identify and change negative thoughts that amplify panic and gradually, controlled exposure to feared situations to break the association with panic and reduce avoidance behaviors that perpetuate anxiety [3][4].
Medications can also be used to treat panic disorder, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) for reducing symptom frequency and severity. In some cases, tricyclic antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and beta-blockers may also be effective. Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can also help manage stress and increase psychological flexibility [3].
A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, can support treatment effectiveness. In some cases, a medical evaluation including heart examination and blood tests may be recommended to rule out other causes and tailor treatment [3][5].
If you are experiencing sudden, intense fear of death or a sense of impending doom, along with physical symptoms such as palpitations, chills or hot flashes, a feeling of throat being squeezed, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, racing thoughts, and overwhelming anxiety, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. While panic attacks can be frightening, they are treatable, and with the right treatment and support, individuals with panic disorder can lead fulfilling lives.
Mental-health issues such as panic disorder, a form of anxiety disorder, can be mistaken for serious medical emergencies due to symptoms like chest pain and rapid heart rate. Therefore, it's essential to consider the role of science and health-and-wellness, including psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, in addressing these symptoms and improving mental health.
