Those who have had trauma, especially in childhood, are more likely to develop panic disorder. It is more common in women than men.
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Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that involves multiple unexpected panic attacks. The main feature of panic disorder is that the attacks happen suddenly without any warning. They often cause physical symptoms like a rapid increase in heartbeat and a feeling of having a heart attack. However, not everyone who experiences a panic attack develops panic disorder.
Some people only have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime and get better without treatment. But some people who have panic attacks do develop panic disorder. They have repeated panic attacks. The attacks can happen as often as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year.
Panic disorder is not life-threatening but it can lead to other health conditions, if not treated on time. It generally starts when a person is under a lot of stress. Those who have had trauma, especially in childhood, are more likely to develop panic disorder. It is more common in women than men.
Symptoms of panic disorder
→ Sudden and repeated panic attacks
→ A fear of death during a panic attack
→ An intense worry about panic attacks
→ Avoidance of places or situations where they had panic attacks in the past
Physical symptoms include:
→ Chest pain
→ Pounding heart
→ The feeling that they are chocking
→ Trouble breathing
→ Dizziness
→ Trembling
→ Nausea or stomach pain
→ Sweating
They can last from few minutes many to over an hour.
Treatment for panic disorder
Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks and ease the symptoms. Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Further treatment will depend on the symptoms.
What are the things you can try yourself
→ Breathe slowly and deeply
→ Remind yourself that the attack will pass
→ Divert your focus to positive things
→ Stay where you are
Also follow a healthy lifestyle
→ Getting enough sleep
→ Eating a healthy diet
→ Regular exercise
→ Reducing caffeine
While panic disorder can be frightening, a healthy lifestyle can help manage it.
The article is written by Suchithra D K from Kannur University, interning at Deccan Chronicle.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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