Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable bursts of terror known as panic attacks. A panic attack is accompanied by physical symptoms that may feel similar to a heart attack or other life-threatening condition.

Intense anxiety often develops between episodes of panic. As panic attacks become more frequent, people begin avoiding situations that could trigger them. Panic attacks can lead to agoraphobia, which is the fear of unknown places.

Causes

Scientists continue to look for the exact cause or causes of panic disorder. It is believed to be related to:

  • Family history
  • Other biological factors
  • Stressful life events
  • Increased sensitivity to physical sensations

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing panic disorder. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

  • Sex: female
  • Age: young adult
  • History of another anxiety disorder
  • Family history of panic disorders

Symptoms

Panic attacks usually occur unexpectedly and repeatedly. They include many of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden and intense episodes of fear
  • Racing, pounding, or skipping heartbeat
  • Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
  • Difficulty catching breath
  • Choking sensation or lump in the throat
  • Excessive sweating
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Tingling or numbness in parts of the body
  • Chills or hot flashes
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Feelings of unreality, or being detached from the body
  • An urge to flee
  • Fear of impending doom, such as death, a heart attack, suffocation, loss of control, or embarrassment
  • Stomach pain

Symptoms of Anxiety

Physiological effects of anxiety
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Since some panic disorder symptoms are similar to heart, digestive, and/or thyroid problems, a physical exam and tests can rule out physical causes of your symptoms.

Tell your doctor about your physical symptoms and how the symptoms make you feel. Your doctor will want to know if your attacks keep you from your normal activities. You should also tell your doctor if you:

  • Have been feeling sad or hopeless
  • Have been drinking or using drugs to control symptoms

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Your doctor or mental health specialist will provide treatment. The following treatments may be provided:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can prepare patients for situations that may trigger panic attacks. Therapy focuses on:

  • Learning how to recognize what causes your fears
  • Gradually changing distorted thinking patterns to more healthful ones
  • Breathing exercises that increase relaxation
  • Reducing fear and feelings of terror

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

Antidepressants

  • Tricyclics, such as clomipramine (Anafranil) or imipramine (Tofranil)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs), such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa)

Please note FDA Public Health Advisory for Antidepressants: The FDA advises that people taking antidepressants should be closely observed. For some, the medicines have been linked to worsening symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These adverse effects are most common in young adults. The effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose. Although the warning is for all antidepressants, of most concern are the SSRI class:

  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Luvox (fluvoxamine)
  • Celexa ( citalopram)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)

For more information, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/

Anti-anxiety Medicines (Benzodiazepines)

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

Studies have found that people with panic disorder get the most benefit from a combination of treatment (therapy and medication).

Dietary Changes

Some people find that avoiding caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, diet sodas) may help reduce panic attacks.

Prevention

  • Avoid caffeine.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Avoid drug use, unless prescribed by your doctor.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Schedule a regular "quiet time" for yourself at home.