What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is an illness where a person experiences a series of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, as well as persistent concern about experiencing them. This is a dysfunction of the normal panic/anxiety reaction that would occur if you were in actual danger. The sense of panic occurs when the body gives off the same distress signals that occur when a person is faced with a life threatening or similar event however no such trigger is present. This means that a person may be sleeping, relaxing or just going about their daily business when they suddenly feel some or all of the symptoms of a panic. 

What Are Panic Attacks?

Symptoms of panic attack include:

• breathing difficulties
• heart palpitations
• chest pains or feelings of heaviness
• feelings of choking
• dizziness
• sweating
• trembling, weakness
• fear of dying, losing control or going crazy
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• hot and cold flashes
• feelings of unreality
• tingling, particularly in the hands and feet

Panic attacks are described as a terrifying experience. For example they may have feelings of apprehension and fear that something really terrible is happening, As well, individuals will often display characteristic concerns about the implication or consequences of the panic attacks. For example, that a panic attack may signify a major illness, or that the person is losing control or going ‘crazy’.

This condition typically begins between late adolescence and mid thirties.  The frequency and duration of panic attacks vary widely.  Some individuals have moderately frequent attacks (e.g. once a week) that occur regularly for months at a time.  Others experience short bursts of more frequent attacks (e.g. daily for a week) separated by weeks or months without any attacks. Panic disorder may go hand in hand with depression, generalised anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and personality disorders.

Certain drugs, such as marijuana, and other substances, such as caffeine, can trigger panic attacks as can fear of a specific object or social situation.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

The cause of panic disorder is not clear and is the subject of intense research.  These are some of the explanations that have been considered:

Genetic pre-disposition

Many people with panic disorder say they have family members with anxiety disorders and some research using twin studies has found some evidence for genetic pre-disposition to panic disorder (American Psychological Association)

Neurobiological causes

Medications traditionally used to treat depression can be helpful for some people with panic disorder; these medicines are called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).   These medications work in the brain to control levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.  Depression often co-exists with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder.

The body’s natural ‘danger alarm’ system is improperly triggered

The first panic attack may occur following an illness, major life stress or another understandably stressful or frightening experience.  The person then fears more attacks occurring and interprets their feelings as being those of a panic attack.  A vicious circle results, with that fear actually helping to bring on another attack.

Advice for Family and Friends

• be supportive to your relative with panic disorder but acknowledge that you cannot do everything for them.  Ask them what help or support they feel would be helpful
• learn about panic disorder and encourage your relative to do the same
• encourage your relative to accept treatment and stay in contact with their medical professional.

If your relative experiences a panic attack here are some suggestions come from the Better Health Channel website.

• breathe into a paper bag, this can quickly balance your blood gases and ease the symptoms.
• if you don't have a paper bag, hold your breath for the count of 10, and then take slow and deep breaths using your abdomen rather than your chest.
• avoid 'self-talk' that focuses your attention on your symptoms, such as 'Stop panicking!' or 'Relax!'  Focus your attention on something outside your own body and symptoms. For example, distract yourself by counting backwards in threes from 100; recall the words from a favourite song or concentrate on the sights and sounds around you.
• remind yourself that the symptoms of a panic attack are uncomfortable, but not life threatening. Reassure yourself that you've felt these feelings before and nothing bad happened to you.
• fleeing from the situation will only reinforce the perception that your panic attacks are unbearable. If you sit and allow the symptoms to pass, you gain confidence in your ability to cope.

Therapeutic Axis offers help for Panic Attacks. Contact us and speak to us about how to get help. For more information on Panic Attacks visit Beyond Blue.