|
A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Panic Attacks, together.
|
| Group Home | Forums | Articles | Members (3054) | Diaries | Videos | Leaders | Guidelines |
|
| Panic attacks and panic disorder |
|
|
| Written by kildare56 | |
| 08 July 2012 | |
DefinitionBy Mayo Clinic staffA panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they're now recognized as a real medical condition. Although panic attacks can significantly affect your quality of life, treatment can be very effective.
SymptomsBy Mayo Clinic staffPanic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at almost any time — when you're driving the car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.
Panic attacks typically include a few or many of these symptoms:
One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one. You may fear having a panic attack so much that you avoid situations where they may occur. You may even feel unable to leave your home (agoraphobia) because no place feels safe.your home (agoraphobia) because no place feels safe.
When to see a doctor
CausesBy Mayo Clinic staffIt's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but these factors may play a role:
Some research suggests that your body's natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved in panic attacks. For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively. Your heart rate and breathing would speed up as your body prepared itself for a life-threatening situation. Many of the same reactions occur in a panic attack. But it's not known why a panic attack occurs when there's no obvious danger present. Risk factorsBy Mayo Clinic staffSymptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men. Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
CausesBy Mayo Clinic staffIt's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but these factors may play a role:
Some research suggests that your body's natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved in panic attacks. For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively. Your heart rate and breathing would speed up as your body prepared itself for a life-threatening situation. Many of the same reactions occur in a panic attack. But it's not known why a panic attack occurs when there's no obvious danger present. QuestionNocturnal panic attacks: What causes them?Can someone have a panic attack while sleeping?Answerfrom Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.Nighttime (nocturnal) panic attacks occur with no obvious trigger and awaken you from sleep. As with a daytime panic attack, you may experience sweating, rapid heart rate, trembling, shortness of breath, heavy breathing (hyperventilation), flushing or chills, and a sense of impending doom. Thesesigns and symptoms are quite alarming and can mimic those of a heart attack or other serious medical condition. Although nocturnal panic attacks usually last less than 10 minutes, it may take a while to calm down and go back to sleep after you have one. It's not known what causes panic attacks. Underlying factors may include genetics, stress and certain changes in the way parts of your brain work. In some cases, an underlying condition, such as a sleep disorder, can cause panic-like signs and symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and whether you should have any tests for a possible underlying condition. Treatment including medications and mental health counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy) can help prevent panic attacks — and reduce their intensity when they do occur. QuestionDepression and anxiety: Can I have both?Is it possible to have depression and anxiety at the same time?Answerfrom Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. They also have similar treatments. Feeling down or having the blues now and then is normal. And, everyone feels anxious from time to time — it's a normal response to stressful situations. But, severe or ongoing feelings of anxiety and depression can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder. Anxiety may occur as a symptom of clinical (major) depression. It's also common to have depression that's triggered by an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people have a diagnosis of both an anxiety disorder andclinical depression. Symptoms of both conditions usually improve with psychological counseling (psychotherapy), medications such as antidepressants, or a combination of the two. Lifestyle changes such as improving sleep habits, using stress-reduction techniques or getting regular exercise may also help. If you have either condition, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. They can make both conditions worse.
QuestionTinnitus causes: Could my antidepressant be the culprit?Can Zoloft and other antidepressants cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus)? If so, what can I do about it?Answerfrom Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be caused by a number of medications, including antidepressants such as Zoloft. If your antidepressant is the cause of your tinnitus, switching to another medication may solve the problem. However, antidepressants are a less common cause of tinnitus than are other types of medications or underlying health conditions. Some causes of tinnitus include prolonged exposure to noise, blood vessel disorders, and neurological or mental health problems. Tinnitus can also be caused by age-related hearing loss. You'll need to work with your doctor to determine whether your antidepressant or something else is causing your tinnitus. Your symptoms may go away when the underlying cause is treated. If the underlying cause isn't clear — or treatment won't help — you may benefit from a hearing aid, a device that helps mask the ringing, medications, counseling to help you cope with tinnitus or other treatment.
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|