Oh my God!! My heart!

OH MY GOD, MY HEART: Panic Disorders

 Hello lovely readers, it’s Olivia and I’m back again with another everyday psychology blog. As usual my aim is to inform and make you aware of the various issues in our daily lives with a psychological basis. Today we will be talking about Panic Disorders with a focus on Panic Attacks.

A panic disorder, simply put is a type or form of anxiety disorder whereby an individual has recurrent episodes of panic attacks, eventually affecting his or her daily functioning

According to a diagnostic manual used by Mental Health Professionals (DSM-IV-TR), panic disorders are diagnosed when an individual experiences panic attacks or fears about the consequences of an attack for a month. A Panic disorder is when you’ve had panic attacks (you feel terrified and overwhelmed, even though you’re not in any danger) for a month and constantly worry and change your routine to keep from having another one.

Individuals with panic disorder report intense panic attacks, which usually peak in about ten minutes or less, alternating with periods of somewhat lower anxiety, during which they may be apprehensive about having another panic attack. The attacks are especially feared because they often occur unpredictably and without warning.

 Symptoms?

A panic attack is a sudden strong feeling of fear that can happen anywhere, at any time. When experiencing a panic attack you may notice four or more of the following:

• Headaches
• Trembling
• Tightening of the throat
• Belly cramps
• A sense of being choked
• Nausea 
• Dizziness
• Numbness 
• Fear of death
• Hot flashes
• Heart pounding

A typical episode lasts between five and ten minutes, but it might last for several. You can experience symptoms similar to a heart attack or stroke. As a result, those who experience panic episodes frequently find themselves in the emergency room.

Panic attacks are not necessarily harmful but they can get worse without treatment or management,  so I would advise that you see a doctor when you notice the reoccurrence.

Also keep in mind that panic attack symptoms resemble those of more serious illnesses. Call your doctor simply to be cautious if you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is a panic attack.

Cause?

There have been no  known specific causes of panic disorder or panic attacks but one possibility is that individuals affected by this disorder may have brains which are extra sensitive in responding to fear.  It has been found that there is a link between panic attacks and phobias (fear of specific things).

Other Causes

1.      Family History of Panic Disorder

2.      Elevated stress levels

3.      Negative thinking

4.      Emotional Disturbance

Management.

As said in the paragraphs above panic attacks occur without warning. One may even begin while you’re sleeping. To treat this disorder, one would have to see a Clinical Psychologist, or a mental health professional. These professionals are sometimes known as psychotherapists. Certain lifestyle changes (such as those listed below) can also help to manage the symptoms.

·         Cutting back on caffeine

·         Regular exercise

·         Limiting alcohol

·         Deep breathing exercises

Until next time keep track of your mental health, make sure you’re resting, and till I come to your screens again and its beenOlives Corner

American Psychiatric Association (2013)
Diagnostic and Statiscal Manual Disorders (DSM-5)
Understanding Abnormal Behaviour (9th Edition)