Panic Disorder
A 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 and may feel like a heart attack or other serious medical condition. During a panic attack, you may experience:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or feeling like you’re choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or detachment
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
Panic attacks usually peak within 10 minutes and then subside, although they can last longer. Having one panic attack does not necessarily mean that you have panic disorder, but recurrent panic attacks and persistent fear of having another attack may indicate panic disorder.
The exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood, but various factors can contribute to the development of panic disorder and panic attacks, including:
- Genetics: Some research suggests that panic disorder may run in families, and genetics may play a role in the development of the disorder.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been linked to panic disorder.
Panic disorder is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The two most common forms of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps a person identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. This therapy is based on the idea that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected and can impact each other. CBT for panic disorder typically focuses on teaching coping skills and techniques to help a person manage panic symptoms.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing a person to the things they fear in a controlled environment, in order to help them overcome their fear and panic. This type of therapy is typically used in combination with CBT.
Medications commonly used to treat panic disorder include antidepressants, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can help reduce panic symptoms by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Beta-blockers can help control physical symptoms of panic, such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines are typically used on a short-term basis to help reduce symptoms of severe panic.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some time to find the right treatment and combination of treatments that work for you. Dr. Parikh can help determine the best course of treatment for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.