Understand Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Neuro Sciences | by Dr. Deep Das | Published on 18/06/2024

Introduction

In our fast-moving, high-pressure world, mental health problems are growing at a very rapid rate. Panic attacks are usually one of the most common mental illnesses among others that affect millions across the globe. A panic attack is an unexpected event of intense fear or discomfort triggering various physical responses. It might occur without any reason or when there is no real danger or evident cause. Panic attacks are extremely dreadful for those who experience them and may substantially influence one's quality of life. If you or your loved ones are struggling with panic attack symptoms, book your appointment with one of the best mental health professionals in Kolkata at The CMRI. With proper diagnosis and the right treatment solutions, you can overcome this complex condition.

In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on panic attacks including their types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. This blog will offer you useful insights to better comprehend and manage this complex condition. Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace the significance of a doctor’s consultation. 

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is characterized by a sudden, strong feeling of fear or discomfort that heightens over a short period and occurs as a mixture of mental and bodily symptoms. These occurrences can be particularly distressing for patients as they usually occur abruptly without any known evident reason. It's likely you might as if you're dying, experiencing a heart attack, or losing control over everything during a panic attack. It is important to understand that even after this condition has a frightful nature, panic incidents are not life-threatening. Nevertheless, panic attacks might impact your day-to-day activities and overall well-being.

What are the Types of Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks can be extensively grouped into two types:

Types	Initial Symptoms	Progressive Symptoms
Expected panic attacks	Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling or shaking, nausea or dizziness, abdominal distress, and chills or hot flashes.	These happen when someone has had a panic attack in the past or knows they will have one because of certain triggers. For example, if someone is afraid of flying (aerophobia), they may experience a panic attack each time they are going to board an aircraft.
Unexpected panic attacks	Intense fear, fear of losing control, going crazy, fear of dying, detachment, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, racing thoughts, urgent need to escape, difficulty concentrating, etc.	These occur unexpectedly, without prior notice of a cause or caution. They are usually more upsetting because they are unpredictable and can happen at any time, even while you are asleep.

What are Panic Attack Symptoms?

A panic attack can have both psychological and physical symptoms. They can often peak in a matter of minutes. Here are some of the noticeable symptoms :

• Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
• Fear of dying
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Feelings of choking
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself

What are Panic Attack Causes?

Although the exact cause of panic attacks is not known, several factors are identified to be the main contributors: 

• Medical Conditions: Several ailments including cardiac arrhythmias, vestibular dysfunction, and hyperthyroidism, can trigger panic attacks.
• Genetics: The fact that panic occurrence can manifest in families implies a hereditary constituent.
• Stress: Severe stress related to the death of a close relative, a divorce, or losing one's work, can trigger panic attacks.
• Substance Abuse: Panic attacks may be aggravated by the regular use of or withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and prescribed medications.
• Neurotransmitter imbalances and abnormalities: It involve specific brain regions that may contribute to impairment of brain function.
• Temperament: Individuals who are extra responsive emotionally or delicate to unpleasant feelings are prone to panic attacks.

What are Panic Attack Risk Factors?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks:

• Age: Panic attacks typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood.
• Gender: Women are more likely to experience panic attacks than men.
• Family History: Having a family history of panic attacks or panic disorder increases the risk.
• Major Life Changes: Significant life transitions or stressors can act as triggers.
• Mental Health Disorders: Other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can increase the risk.
• Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events can predispose individuals to panic attacks.
• Substance Abuse: Misuse of alcohol or drugs can exacerbate or trigger panic attacks.

How are Panic Attacks Diagnosed?

Diagnosing panic attacks involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, often a psychologist or psychiatrist. The diagnostic process includes:

• Clinical Evaluation: This involves understanding medical history such as assessing symptoms, severity, duration, and background of panic attacks. Physical examination is performed to rule out medical conditions replicating panic attack symptoms such as heart conditions, or thyroid problems.
• Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5): When the patient is experiencing recurrent unexpected panic attacks like sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort and peaks within minutes.
• At least four of the following symptoms: If the patient is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • Trembling or shaking.
  • Shortness of breath or sensation of smothering.
  • Feelings of choking.
  • Palpitations or rapid heart rate.
  • Sweating.
  • Fear of losing control.
  • Fear of dying.
  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Nausea or abdominal distress.
  • Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Chills or heat sensations.
• Differential Diagnosis: This is involved in ruling out other conditions like anxiety, substance use, psychiatric disorders, etc. 
• Laboratory Tests: To rule out thyroid problems, anaemia, or other conditions, blood tests and ECG tests are performed. 
• Psychological Evaluation: In-depth interviews are conducted to evaluate psychological factors and mental health history.

What are Panic Attack Treatment Options?

Usually, therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are involved in the treatment of panic attacks depending on an individual’s symptoms and frequency:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy benefits in recognising the ideas and actions that set off panic episodes and creating coping mechanisms to control them.
• Drugs: Benzodiazepines and antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) may be directed to treat panic attack symptoms. However, therapy and medicine are usually involved in pain rather than as a separate treatment.

• Lifestyle Changes: Refraining from coffee, alcohol, and drugs, getting enough sleep, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attack occurrences.
• Relaxation Methods: These methods include progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and deep breathing exercises that can help minimize stress and prevent panic attacks.

Conclusion

Panic attacks are manageable with adequate help and approach strategy even though they are quite distressing. Understanding their nature, determining their symptoms, and being mindful of their roots and risk factors help manage panic attacks. People can regain control over their lives and reduce the effects of panic attacks through different treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques. You must get professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing panic attacks. Remember that support is easily accessible these days and with the right support, leading a happy, and quality life is possible.

Faq -

 

Are panic attacks dangerous?

Panic attacks often are not dangerous, however, they can be broadly distressing and may cause complications if not administered on time like preventing triggers or increased anxiety.

What are the symptoms of panic attacks?

Symptoms of panic attacks are chest pain, dizziness, nausea, chills, fear of losing control, palpitations or fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and fear of dying.

Why do panic attacks happen?

Panic attacks can manifest because of stress, genetic factors, traumatic experiences, or certain medical conditions, or usually occur without an evident trigger.

Can panic attacks cause death?

No, panic attacks cannot cause death but severe occurences might be life-threatening due to extreme physical symptoms.

What is the best medication for anxiety and panic attacks?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are among the commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and panic attacks, but the best medication differs depending on individual condition or frequency hence it must be determined by a healthcare provider.

What triggers panic attacks?

Triggers of panic attacks are phobias, certain medications, stress, trauma, caffeine, and underlying mental health conditions, but they at times occur without a noticeable sign or trigger.