Panic Disorder... Do You See the Warning Signs?

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. You may have only one or two panic attacks in your lifetime. But if you have had several panic attacks and have spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a chronic 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 is very effective.

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff Panic attack symptoms can make your heart pound and cause you to feel short of breath, dizzy, nauseated and flushed. Because panic attack symptoms can resemble life-threatening conditions, it's important to seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Panic attacks typically include a few or many of these symptoms:

• A sense of impending doom or death
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Tightness in your throat
• Trouble swallowing

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at almost any time — when you're driving the school car pool, 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 and last about half an hour. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides. One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another panic attack. If you have had four or more panic attacks and have spent a month or more in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder, a type of chronic anxiety disorder. With panic disorder, you may fear having a panic attack so much that you avoid situations where they may occur. You may even be unable to leave your home (agoraphobia), because no place feels safe. When to see a doctorIf you have any panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment. And because panic attack symptoms can also resemble other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, it's important to get evaluated by your health care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.

Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff It's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder. Things that may play a role include:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Certain changes in the way parts of your brain function

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 factors

By Mayo Clinic staff Symptoms of panic disorder often start either in late adolescence or early adulthood and affect more women than men. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:

• A family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
• Significant stress
• The death or serious illness of a loved one
• Big changes in your life, such as the addition of a baby
• A history of childhood physical or sexual abuse
• Undergoing a traumatic event, such as an accident or rape

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff Left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can result in severe complications that affect almost every area of your life. You may be so afraid of having more panic attacks that you live in a constant state of fear, ruining your quality of life. Complications that panic attacks may cause or be associated with include:

• Development of specific phobias, such as fear of driving or leaving your home
• Avoidance of social situations
• Problems at work or school
• Depression
• Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Financial problems

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