Fear and anxiety are a normal part of life and sometimes can be helpful. Normal anxiety keeps us alert, helps us perform to the best of our ability, and even helps us avoid dangerous situations.
Panic attacks are different, however. They occur "out of the blue" and serve no useful purpose. They usually last just a few minutes and are accompanied by at least four of the following physical and emotional symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Choking sensation
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Chest discomfort
- Tingling/numbness
- A fear of dying, going crazy, or losing control
Who suffers from panic disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.5 percent of American men and women will suffer from panic disorder during their lives. This disorder typically affects people in their late teens or early 20s and can occur episodically for years.
Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than in men. Unique gender differences may account for this. These differences include:
- Genetic vulnerability
- Menstrual cycle effects
- Postpartum effect
- Different patterns of psychiatric and medical conditions
- Psychosocial factors
Panic disorder symptoms could be mistaken for heart disease or another life-threatening medical illness, causing the patient to undergo unnecessary medical tests and multiple emergency room visits to determine the cause of the ailment.
A psychiatrist or other health care provider who specializes in the treatment of panic disorder can accurately diagnose the condition.
What causes panic disorder?
No one knows exactly what causes panic disorder. Some researchers believe it has a biological basis, while others believe it results from psychological influences.
Whatever its causes, panic disorder is associated with serious problems such as the onset of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, and even suicide attempts.
What types of treatment are available?
Medications are used to treat panic disorder in some cases. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another form of treatment for panic disorder. This therapy helps patients identify erroneous attitudes and perceptions that fuel the negative effects of a panic attack and contribute to "what if" thinking.
For more information
If you have any questions about panic disorder and its symptoms, you can get free information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) by calling 800.64.PANIC.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/26/2004...#5012
