Panic Disorder ( Panic Attacks )

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Panic disorder  describes the sudden onset of extreme apprehension / terror for no obvious reason (commonly known as panic attacks).  These attacks can occur after prolonged periods of stress but also begin without any known cause. They differ from a specific phobia in that the person cannot identify a known “trigger” for the attack and therefore lives in constant fear of it happening again without warning.  Episodes can last an average of 10 minutes.

Common symptoms include;

- racing heart

- weakness in legs (jelly legs)

- feelings of intense fear and impending doom

- chest pain

- breathing difficulty

- stomach upset

- tingling in hands

- disorientation

- hot flushes or chills

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other disorders and so should be first investigated by a doctor.

When a person has experienced a panic attack in a public place they may afterwards avoid that place/situation in fear that they may experience another episode.  They may also become wary of many public situations thus leading them to develop Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.

The person may also become hypervigilent of any bodily symptoms which might signal another panic attack.  This hypervigilence can itself increase their physical arousal levels which may of itself lead to another attack.

Panic disorder can have very serious consequences on a person’s health and day-to-day life.  Sadly, many people never look for help with this crippling condition which can be very successfully treated.

Panic disorder can run in families suggesting a genetic cause.  However behavioural, emotional and social stressors such as abuse, illness and negative thinking styles also play their part.  This interaction of biological, social and psychological factors is known as a bio-psycho-social model.  Treatments may therefore look at one of more of these three factors.

In severe cases a doctor may prescribe medication to help the person return to a normal level of daily functioning.  However psychological therapy should be a standard part of treatment with or without medication in order to discontinue or at least minimise medication use.  Psychological treatment will involve helping the person to identify irrational thinking patterns and facing avoided situations on a gradual basis.

More information will be published soon.  In the meantime, if you require more information or help please contact Access Psychology on + 353-1-235 1000 or by email at : info@accesspsychology.ie or send us a message on our Contact Us page.