Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterised by the occurrence of repeated panic attacks, which last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes, but which are experienced as extremely frightening and uncomfortable.

Typically, someone who suffers from a panic attack is overcome by intense feelings of terror and fear that occur initially out of the blue and last only a few minutes. During a panic attack, people may fear they are having a heart attack, or are going crazy. They report a racing or pounding heartbeat, chest pains, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, a feeling of smothering, breathlessness, tingling or numbness in the hands, hot flushes or chills, a sense of unreality, and a fear of losing control.

People with panic attacks often consult various doctors and medical specialists, such as cardiologists, physicians, or neurologists, fearing that they suffer from a life threatening disease. It is not unusual for many years to go by before an accurate diagnosis is made. During this time sufferers tend to avoid situations or places (agoraphobia) where the initial attack(s) took place, fearing another attack. This can be very debilitating and unnecessarily limit their lives.

Who gets panic disorder?

Any person may possibly suffer from panic disorder, irrespective of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Studies have shown that about 2 to 4 in every 100 persons may suffer from panic disorder at some time in their lives, and the figure for agoraphobia is even higher.

Panic disorder usually starts between late adolescence and mid-thirties, although children may also suffer from this disorder. The first attack often follows a stressful life event such as the death of a close family member or friend, a loss of a close interpersonal relationship or after a separation. Women are two to three times more likely to suffer from panic disorder than men.

What causes panic disorder?

It was initially thought that panic disorder was caused by psychological problems. It is now known though that brain chemistry and genetic factors play a role, as well as stressful life events or circumstances. First-degree relatives of people with panic disorder have a five times greater likelihood of developing panic disorder than the rest of the population.

What to do and where to go for help

The most important step is to consult a professional for an accurate diagnosis. Help is available and in most cases is effective in relieving symptoms. Both medication and psychotherapy is used, although a combination of these two treatment methods is often recommended. Self-help cognitive-behavioural techniques are also of value.

Medications for treating panic disorder include those that work immediately but have the limitation that they cause dependence (benzodiazepines), and those that work slowly but that can readily be discontinued (antidepressants). In general, it is suggested that the slow but sure path is the best in panic disorder. The term "antidepressant" is a poor one, as many of these agents are excellent antipanic medications. The most widely used antidepressant agents for treatment of panic disorder are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are safe and easy to use.