Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can happen suddenly and can be very frightening. They accompany both physical and psychological symptoms, which are so debilitating that many people begin to avoid situations that can trigger an attack. A panic attack disorder, sometimes commonly referred to as a panic disorder, is when one has recurring panic attacks and fears having more attacks. Experiencing a panic attack while sleeping or during the day can be distressing, but understanding more about it can help in managing and preventing these episodes.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, and they usually peak within minutes. After the attack subsides, you may also feel tired and worn out.

Common signs and symptoms of panic attacks include:

• Racing heartbeat or palpitations
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chills or hot flushes
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying

Since these symptoms might resemble those of other serious illnesses, seeking medical guidance for diagnosis and panic attack treatment is advised.

Causes of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can have several causes. Several factors can trigger such an attack. These panic attack causes include:

• Genetic: If there is a family history of anxiety disorders or panic attacks, then the individual may become more prone to such occurrences.
• Brain Chemistry: This means that even slight changes in brain chemicals could cause panic attacks.
• Stress: Major life changes or trauma, like the loss of a loved one, losing a job, or some other traumatic event, can contribute to its onslaught.
• Medical Conditions: Certain ones, such as thyroid problems or heart disease, may simulate the symptoms of panic attacks.
• Substance Use: Panic attacks could also be induced by using caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs.

Risk Factors for Panic Attacks

The following are some of the risk factors that can enhance the likelihood of a panic attack in individuals:

• Family History: One's family history of having anxiety or panic disorders.
• Age: Panic attacks usually first appear in late adolescence and early adulthood.
• Gender: Compared to men, women are more likely to develop panic attacks.
• Personality: People who tend to stress more and are worried about things are likely to be more prone to them.
• Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress increases the risk of a panic attack.

Diagnosis of Panic Attacks

Diagnosis of panic attack disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a health professional. Diagnosis generally comprises the following:

• Medical History: Characterization of symptoms, frequency, and day-to-day effects.
• Physical Examination: It rules out other medical disorders that can mimic the symptoms.
• Psychiatric Assessment: This would involve evaluating the patient's mental history and assessing the current symptoms.
• Diagnostic Criteria: Based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or ICD -11.

Treatment for Panic Attacks

Effective treatment of panic attack disorder most often combines some of the following approaches:

• Medications: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and, on occasion, beta blockers are helpful in symptomatic management.
• Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT): The therapy helps patients understand and alter the thought processes that trigger these attacks.
• Exposure Therapy: It can help reduce overwhelming anxiety related to panic attacks due to gradual exposure to feared situations.
• Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness significantly affect the management of symptoms.

Natural treatment for panic attacks — Some of these panic attack remedies may also help people:

• Regular Exercise: It will help lower the tension and set a person's mind and body in good spirits.
• Healthy Diet: Food can balance the mental and physical well-being of individuals.
• Adequate Sleep: Getting good sleep hygiene to avoid panic attacks, mainly when one has an attack during sleep.

Preventing Panic Attacks

A combination of changes in lifestyle and coping strategies can help prevent panic attacks. These include:

• Stress Management: Activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies that help de-stress the self.
• Avoiding Triggers: Identification of triggers that cause attacks and avoiding those substances or situations.
• Healthy Habits: Engaging in healthy behaviour like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep.
• Support Network: Building one's support network involving friends, family, or support groups.

Complications of Panic Disorder

If not treated, a panic attack and panic disorder may affect almost all aspects of your life. You may constantly live with the fear of having more attacks and refrain from participating in daily activities. Such fear may bring about a dramatic decline in your quality of life.

Complications linked to panic attacks include the following:

• Avoidance Behaviour: The patient may avoid situations and places where the attacks have occurred in the past, limiting personal and professional activities.
• Depression: Continual anxiety and attacks can contribute to feelings of depression.
• Substance Abuse: In some cases, people turn to alcohol or drugs in trying to deal with their symptoms.
• Impaired Functioning: Problems with functioning at work, in social situations, or in daily life.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical help if you are experiencing the symptoms of panic attacks, especially if they: 

• Get in the Way of Daily Life: If symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or daily activities.
• Increase in Frequency or Severity: If the attacks are more frequent or severe.
• Are Accompanied by Other Health Concerns: Indicated by other symptoms which could point to another medical condition.
• Cause Significant Distress: If you find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to handle the symptoms alone.

Conclusion

If you're having panic attacks or might have panic disorder, don't be afraid to ask for help. See a healthcare provider about your symptoms and reason for panic attacks and discuss how to get help and find effective treatment. Seek a mental health professional to discuss your issues with this specific problem in detail.
Get freedom from panic attacks today with improved mental health. Contact a professional!

FAQs

Q1. What does a panic attack feel like?

Ans. A panic attack is the sensation of intense fear or discomfort, which peaks very quickly and is often accompanied by many physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, excess sweating, and trembling. It could make one feel detached from reality, out of control, and fearful of dying or going crazy.

Q2. How to handle a panic attack?

Ans. To manage a panic attack, practise deep breathing, concentrate on a soothing image or statement, and assure yourself it will go away. Stay grounded and in touch with your body by touching or holding on to objects around you. Avoid caffeine and sugar, and get to a quiet place if possible. Use mindfulness and relaxation methods routinely for prevention and panic attack cure.

Q3. Are panic attacks harmful?

Ans. The panic attack itself will not cause any physical harm, but it can be extremely distressing and frightening, and, through repeatedly occurring, it can develop into some avoidant behaviours, causing people to socially isolate and even increase the rate of anxiety. Any serious and frequent case of panic attack should be provided immediate help to prevent its impact on the everyday life of the individual.

Q4. How long do panic attacks last?

Ans. Panic attacks typically last from 5 to 20 minutes, although some of the symptoms can prevail for an hour at a time. The peak intensity is usually hit during the first 10 minutes. Although brief, the experience can seem much longer due to the extreme fear and discomfort.

Q5. Why am I suddenly having panic attacks?

Ans. Sudden panic attacks could result from stress, major life changes, or health conditions. They can also be due to an imbalance in brain chemistry, heredity elements, and substance use. Triggers can be identified, and professional help can be obtained to know how to deal with such episodes.

Dr. Mazher Ali

MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585