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what is Panic-Disorder3

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a serious and potentially debilitating anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. The normal reaction to fear or excitement puts the body in a flight or fight mode. However, if seemingly ordinary and everyday aspects of life trigger this mode in a person’s brain, it produces symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate and hyperventilation in the body. These sorts of attacks tend to last around 20 minutes and can be excruciatingly harrowing.

Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear, apprehension, and related physical symptoms that seem to arise spontaneously and peak within minutes. Sufferers experience persistent, excessive worries about future attacks and their implications.

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Causes

The precise causes of panic disorders are complex and not fully understood. Contributing factors likely include:

Genetics-Panic

Genetics – panic disorder can run in families.

Changes -Panic
Changes in brain structure and function – the parts of the brain
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Stress-panic
Stress – traumatic life events can initially trigger panic responses.
Drug -Panic

Medical conditions – disorders of the thyroid or heart

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Drug -Panic

Drug and substance withdrawal – stopping certain medications

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Symptoms

Panic attack symptoms are both psychological and physical. They usually strike suddenly and peak within 10 minutes. Symptoms may include:

Pounding heart, chest pain, tightness in the chest
Shortness of breath, sensations of choking
Trembling, shaking
Sweating, chills, hot flashes
Nausea, stomach cramping
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Numbness or tingling
Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying

The cycle of anxiety and fear

Cycle of Anxiety and Fear
After an initial attack, people often develop anxiety and fear about having another one. This anxiety creates a cycle – the anticipatory fear causes heightened arousal, which then triggers more attacks. Sufferers may avoid certain situations for fear of provoking an attack. This avoidance often severely restricts daily activities and quality of life.

Treatments

Effective treatments for panic disorder include therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

1. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps patients identify and alter thought patterns reinforcing panic.

2. Exposure therapy can also help sufferers confront situations they fear.

3. Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines may be prescribed for short-term symptom relief.

4. Regular exercise, stress management, meditation, and limiting stimulant use can also reduce panic attacks. Though challenging, the cycle of anxiety and fear can be broken with proper, integrated treatment.