Panic Disorders

Panic attacks are the hallmark feature of panic disorder. During an attack, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or a sensation of smothering
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
• Chills or heat sensations
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying

These symptoms can be terrifying and may lead individuals to believe they are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, such as a heart attack. However, while panic attacks are distressing, they are not dangerous.

To diagnose panic disorder, mental health professionals at Empire State Psychiatry assess the frequency and nature of the panic attacks. For a diagnosis of panic disorder, the attacks must be recurrent and unexpected, and at least one of the attacks must be followed by one month (or more) of persistent concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications of the attack, or significant behavioral changes related to the attacks.

Additionally, panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, a condition characterized by the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if a panic attack occurs. This can lead individuals to avoid certain places or situations, significantly impacting their daily lives.

Panic disorder can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. The fear of experiencing a panic attack can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may avoid certain places, activities, or situations that they associate with previous attacks. This avoidance can restrict their ability to engage in daily activities, work, and social interactions, leading to increased isolation and distress.

Moreover, the chronic nature of the disorder can contribute to the development of other mental health conditions, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, further complicating the individual’s emotional and psychological well-being.

The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors associated with the development of panic disorder include:

• Family history of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders
• Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one
• Traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse
• Significant life changes, such as a divorce or job loss
• History of childhood abuse or neglect
• Smoking or excessive caffeine intake

Research also suggests that abnormalities in brain areas involved in fear response and the regulation of emotion may play a role in the development of panic disorder.