The exact cause of panic disorder is not entirely understood. However, researchers believe that panic disorder may be due to chemical imbalances in the brain. Panic disorder also tends to run in families, so there is likely a strong genetic connection. Excessive stress and trauma may also be linked to the development of panic disorder.

Certain medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (i.e., hyperthyroidism) and certain heart problems, can have the same symptoms as panic attacks. If you are having panic attacks, you should also be examined for other medical conditions.

Things that may trigger a panic attack include:

• drinking large amounts of alcohol
• drinking excessive amounts of caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas)
• taking stimulants or cocaine
• taking or suddenly stopping taking certain prescription medications

Panic attacks occur with the sudden appearance or occurrence of at least 4 of the following symptoms:

• chest pain or discomfort
• choking
• dizziness, or feeling faint or unsteady
• fear of dying
• fear of losing control
• feelings of choking
• feelings of not being part of your environment
• flushing or chills
• nausea, stomach ache, or diarrhea
• numbness or tingling
• racing heart
• sweating
• trembling or shaking
• trouble breathing

Panic attacks do not usually last longer than 10 minutes. However, since the symptoms affect the lungs, heart, and other important organs, a person might worry that they are having a serious medical problem that requires emergency medical treatment. However, the panic attack is usually over by the time the doctor sees the person who has had the attack.

Since panic attacks are unpredictable, a person often worries about having another attack. If a person starts to avoid the places where they had previous panic attacks, they may develop a condition called agoraphobia. This type of anxiety disorder causes a person to avoid many places (including places with many people) and may lead them to become housebound.

Your doctor will diagnose panic disorder based on symptoms, family history, and a physical examination. Your doctor will also rule out any other medical causes before making the diagnosis.

The treatment of panic disorder usually involves a combination of medications and behavioural or cognitive therapy. The goals of treatment are to reduce the number and frequency of panic attacks and improve your quality of life.
The most commonly used medications for treating panic disorder include:

• selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine*
• serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine
• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine
• anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam

Your doctor may also recommend behavioural therapy such as exposure or relaxation therapy to help reduce fear and anxiety. In exposure therapy, you are slowly exposed to the same situation that triggers panic attacks until fear and anxiety are reduced to a tolerable level or are eliminated. In relaxation therapy, you are provided with techniques to help you relax in situations that have previously caused panic attacks.

Cognitive therapy (psychotherapy) may also be recommended. Cognitive therapy attempts to change your thought patterns by helping you analyze your reactions to panic attack triggers.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Panic-Disorder