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Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or acute anxiety that peak within minutes and last for a relatively short period before gradually subsiding. These attacks may occur without any clear external trigger (spontaneous) or be triggered by specific situations or environments (triggered).
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or feeling of suffocation
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Chest pain
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
These symptoms result from hyperactivation of the autonomic nervous system and the release of adrenaline, putting the body in a state of high alert as if facing a real threat.
Causes of Panic Attacks:
Several theories explain the occurrence of panic attacks, including:
- Psychoanalytic Theory: Suggests that panic attacks may stem from repressed internal conflicts, leading to internal anxiety that manifests as a panic attack.
- Behavioral Theory: Proposes that panic attacks are linked to a past traumatic experience associated with extreme fear. When a person encounters a similar situation, even indirectly, the conditioned response is triggered, causing a panic attack.
Panic Disorder
If panic attacks become frequent and start interfering with daily life, the condition may develop into Panic Disorder, a psychological condition characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks, along with persistent worry about future attacks.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder:
- Recurrent panic attacks
- Constant anxiety about having another attack
- Avoidance of places or situations that might trigger an attack
- Feeling a loss of control over one’s life due to panic attacks
Treatment:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals understand their fears and modify negative thought patterns associated with panic attacks.
- Medication: Includes antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that may help reduce the frequency of attacks.
- Relaxation Techniques: Such as deep breathing and meditation to calm the nervous system and reduce attack severity.
- Gradual Exposure Therapy: Involves exposing the individual to feared situations gradually until they become desensitized and no longer experience panic attacks.
Difference Between Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
