PANIC DISORDER

PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It’s a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.

But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason.

SYMPTOMS OF PANIC DISORDER

• Anxiety
  Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe, and can include feelings of worry and fear. Panic is the most severe form of anxiety.

You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they’ll trigger another attack.

This can create a cycle of living “in fear of fear”. It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.

• Panic attacks
  During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.

CAUSES

As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood.

But it’s thought to be linked to a combination of things, including:

• A traumatic or very stressful life experience, such as bereavement.
• Having a close family member with panic disorder.
• An imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain.

A PANIC ATTACK CAN BE VERY FRIGHTENING AND DISTRESSING.

Symptoms include:

• A racing heartbeat
• Feeling faint
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling
• Hot flushes
• Chills
• Shaky limbs
• A choking sensation
• Dizziness
• Numbness or pins and needles
• Dry mouth
• A need to go to the toilet
• Ringing in your ears
• A feeling of dread or a fear of dying
• A churning stomach
• A tingling in your fingers
• Feeling like you’re not connected to your body

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.

Although panic attacks are frightening, they’re not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it’s unlikely you’ll be admitted to hospital if you have one.

Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack.

For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.

TREATMENTS FOR PANIC DISORDER

Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and easy your symptoms.

Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms.

• Psychological therapies

You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service for treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

• Medicine

If you and your doctor think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed:

a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or, if SSRIs are not suitable, a tricyclic antidepressant (usually imipramine or clomipramine)
an anti-epilepsy medicine such as pregabalin or, if your anxiety is severe, clonazepam (these medicines are also beneficial for treating anxiety)
Antidepressants can take 2 to 4 weeks before they start to work, and up to 8 weeks to work fully.

Keep taking your medicines, even if you feel they’re not working, and only stop taking them if your GP advises you to do so.

COMPLICATIONS OF PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. But it’s best to get medical help as soon as you can.

If you do not get medical help, panic disorder can escalate and become very difficult to cope with.

You’re more at risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as agoraphobia or other phobias, or an alcohol or drug problem.

Having panic disorder may affect your ability to drive. The law requires you to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could impact your driving ability.

PANIC DISORDER IN CHILDREN

Panic disorder is more common in teenagers than in younger children.Panic attacks can be particularly hard for children and young people to deal with. Severe panic disorder may affect their development and learning.If your child has the signs and symptoms of panic disorder, they should see a GP.After taking a detailed medical history the GP will carry out a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.