Panic disorder
Overview
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.
Symptoms
Panic attacks: racing heart; sweating; shortness of breath; dizziness; fear of dying/losing control.
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 asbereavementhaving a close family member with panic disorderan imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms. Talking therapiesand medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms. If you and your doctor think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed: a type ofantidepressantcalled a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or, if SSRIs are not suitable, a tricyclic antidepressant (usually imipramine or clomipramine)an anti-epilepsy medicine such aspregabalinor, if your anxiety is severe,clonazepam(these medicines are also beneficial for treating anxiety) Antidepressantscan 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.
Prevention
It may help to: read a self-help book for anxiety based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – ask your GP to recommend onetry activities like yoga and pilates, to help you relaxlearnbreathing exercises for stressto help ease symptomsdoregular physical exerciseto reduce stress and tensionavoid sugary food and drinks, caffeine and alcohol, andstop smoking, as they can all make attacks worse
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you've been experiencing symptoms of panic disorder. They'll ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them. They may also carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have regular and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks.