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You might have heard of a panic attack, and maybe it is because you are someone who frequently has them, sometimes without being triggered. There is a reason for that, experts refer to it as a panic disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a panic disorder is characterised by frequent and unexpected panic attacks, “These attacks are characterised by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.”
The above-mentioned source further explains that panic disorder involves sudden, overwhelming anxiety and fear, feeling out of control, intense worry about future attacks, fear of past attacks, and physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, chills, trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness, tingling hands, chest pain, and stomach pain.
My Dynamics states that a panic disorder, a mental health condition, affects 2 to 4 in every 100 people, with a higher prevalence in agoraphobia. It is said to usually be diagnosed in early adulthood and often follows a stressful life event.
The above source claims that women are two to three times more likely to develop panic disorder than men. It is now known that brain chemistry and genetic factors play a role in panic disorder. First-degree relatives of people with panic disorder have a five times greater likelihood of developing panic disorder than the rest of the population, which means that if you have a close family member (like a parent or sibling) with panic disorder, you are more at risk of developing the disorder as well.”
The National Health Services suggests that panic disorder treatment focuses on reducing panic attacks and easing symptoms. Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments, depending on symptoms, the publication claims.
It is further mentioned that cognitive behavioural therapy can help reduce panic attacks by teaching behaviour changes and that antidepressants may be prescribed, taking 2 to 8 weeks to work fully.
“If your symptoms do not improve after CBT, medicine and connecting with a support group, your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.”
