| name: | Panic Disorder |
| also known as: | Panic Attack; Anxiety Disorder |
| also see: | Phobia; Hyperventilation; Anxiety; ICD |
| description: | A panic attack is a form of anxiety that happens all of the sudden, that can occur in response to a fear or an anticipation of a fear. The attack comes in a matter of minutes and usually lasts 10 minutes and no more than 1-2 hours. If the panic attacks continue, it becomes a panic disorder. Causes include unresolved emotional conflicts that triggers a part of the nervous system to be set in motion and the symptoms snowball. Risk is increased with stress, guilt, fatigue, alcohol, drug abuse and addiction, chronic illness. |
| signs & symptoms: | Include heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort, chest pain, shortness of breath, choking, breathing rapidly, dizziness, flushing, chills, nausea, abdominal distress, numbness, tingling, sweating, tremulousness, fear of dying, sense of doom, fear of going crazy, feelings of unreality, depersonalization. |
| diagnosis: | Based on the signs, symptoms, history and exam. As there are other diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, thyroid problems, etc. that can mimic the symptoms of a panic attack, occasional tests are done to rule out other diseases if the diagnosis of panic disorder is in doubt. Differential diagnosis includes hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, arrhythmia, heart attack, asthma, COPD, major depression, other causes of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatization disorder, drug abuse and addiction. |
| treatment: | Although medicines can be prescribed to help temper the emotional conflicts, such as the benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and the SSRI drugs such as zoloft, counseling and psychotherapy is often required. Other drugs can include tricyclic antidepressants or MAOI. |
| prevention: | None |
| outcome: | The expression of panic disorder can be either mild or severe and for those with crippling anxiety, psychotherapy and medication can be effective. Unchecked, panic disorder can progress into agoraphobia, depression and drug abuse. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person has a panic attack, or more precisely, recurrent panic attacks, with the signs and symptoms mentioned above occurring within a 10 minute period or crescendo, or, if the symptoms don't diminish, or persist for 1-2 months |
| go to: | Go to the doctor. |
| if: | If the person would like a mental health Internet Resource |
| go to: | Go to National Alliance for the Mentally Ill www.nami.org |
Last updated 6/20/2008