Panic attack: causes of the disorder, treatment, prevention

Daily stress, poor diet, poor sleep patterns - all these factors negatively affect the body. This rhythm of life often contributes to panic attacks. But, of course, the reasons are not only stress and a busy schedule. Much depends on the biochemistry of a person and his psychological state. Sometimes panic attacks can occur as a result of an illness.

Every person, at least once in his life, has experienced anxiety, panic, and numbness. Such reactions are quite normal in certain situations, such as those involving a threat to life or health. When panic occurs, the body produces stress hormones: adrenaline and norepinephrine. These substances help mobilize all resources for action - for example, running or fighting. If there are no real threats, and the body cannot use this state for its intended purpose, a panic attack occurs. At the same time, the pressure rises sharply, the pulse quickens, and the breath takes away. People suffering from panic attacks experience similar symptoms. Even 20 years ago, doctors considered this to be vegetative manifestations and diagnosed “Vegetative-vascular dystonia” or “Sympathoadrenal crisis.” The patients were not offered any specific treatment, much less a visit to a psychotherapist. Doctors believed that this was a minor somatic illness. In fact, panic attacks can lead to more serious illnesses. For example, a regular increase in blood pressure can provoke ailments such as hypertension, stroke, depression, and neurosis. In some cases, panic attacks can be repeated daily and cause enormous discomfort to the person. It is believed that the widespread occurrence of panic attacks was influenced by an increase in stress factors. But similar symptoms were described back in Ancient Greece. So don’t think that this is some kind of newfangled disease. The problem, rather, is in the correct diagnosis of panic attacks and in the proper prescription of treatment for this disease. It often happens that people suffer for years before they discover the reasons and get help. Sometimes panic attacks go away on their own. Or the symptoms become so minor that they do not affect the quality of life.

What are panic attacks and why do they happen?

A panic attack is a condition in which a person experiences inexplicable, overwhelming fear and severe anxiety. During attacks there is a sharp release of adrenaline and norepinephrine. This is a psychophysical reaction to danger. It is believed that about 10% of the world's population suffers from panic attacks. More than half of them are women. More than 2/3 of people suffering from panic disorder try to cope with the disease on their own. It happens that lack of treatment leads to various mental illnesses. A timely visit to a doctor will help solve this problem.

The attack is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms:

• high blood pressure (up to 220 to 170)
• heavy sweating
• fever or chills
• labored breathing
• lump in the throat
• increased heart rate (more than 120 beats per minute)
• tremors and numbness of the limbs
• nausea
• vomit
• dizziness
• depersonalization
• fear of dying or going crazy

Symptoms usually last from 5-10 minutes to several hours. There are repeated cases of frequent attacks during the day. Sometimes a panic attack can last up to 24 hours. With regular attacks, we can talk about panic disorder. In any case, only a specialist can diagnose the disease. If you find one or more of the above symptoms, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

The occurrence of a panic attack depends on many factors. According to patients, the first signs may appear some time before the attack itself. Early symptoms often include severe fatigue, along with unexplained anxiety, blurred vision, and chest pain. A panic attack can be triggered by stress, whether positive or negative; memories associated with the traumatic event; threat to life and health, state of alcohol and drug withdrawal. Often, panic attacks are directly related to some disease: a violation of somatophoric functions, depression, PTSD, endocrinological and cardiovascular problems, and various phobias. Seizures may occur when taking certain medications. If you are prone to panic attacks, be sure to tell your doctor who prescribes your medications.

People suffering from anxiety syndrome are susceptible to panic attacks. With this disorder, the human body produces abnormal amounts of adrenaline and norepinephrine. Therefore, in case of panic attacks and constant anxiety, experts recommend getting tested for these hormones to determine the cause of such conditions. In some cases, consultation and treatment with a neurologist is sufficient, but most often the symptoms develop further and the person requires more serious therapy.

Another reason for panic attacks is various phobias. For example, in people with a fear of closed spaces, a panic attack begins when they get into an elevator, a closed room where a person cannot control the exit, or public transport. In essence, this state is a psychophysical reaction to danger, in the absence of a real threat. Regular panic attacks greatly affect your quality of life. It is difficult for such people to get to work, to the store, or to the doctor. Restrictions due to panic attacks often lead to depression, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Very often, the first attack of a panic attack occurs during physical or mental stressful situations. The cause may be heavy sports activity, overwork at work or study, and even a large amount of tea or coffee.

Protracted conflict or being in a stressful situation for a long time also provokes panic attacks. A person creates a state of panic, constantly expecting something bad. From a psychological point of view, these types of attacks arise from the suppression of emotions, the inability to recognize one’s own negative feelings and work with them. In such cases, the likelihood of recurrence of panic attacks increases.

If an episode of a panic attack does not recur for a long time, the person usually forgets about it. In the case of regular panic attacks, there is a fear of new panic attacks. Fear causes the release of adrenaline and a person ends up in a vicious circle. A panic attack begins to control a person’s life.

Another factor influencing panic attacks is genetic predisposition. If any of your relatives suffered from an illness such as panic disorder, then it is likely that the disease was inherited. At the IMC Addiction By Yuzapolsky clinic, we pay special attention to the genetic aspect when diagnosing and treating panic attacks. Sometimes it is enough to detect hormonal causes, eliminate the imbalance of adrenaline and norepinephrine and get rid of panic attacks forever. It has also been scientifically proven that the occurrence of panic attacks is influenced by a lack of serotonin and dopamine, which help a person cope with stress. Such studies are an excellent prevention for hereditary causes of the disease. For example, you can learn about your children's predisposition to panic attacks and correct their condition before the first symptoms appear.

So, in short, the causes of panic attacks are as follows:

• hereditary factors
• childhood and adolescent psychotraumas
• excess adrenaline and norepinephrine
• lack of serotonin and dopamine
• prolonged emotional stress
• severe stress
• physical injuries
• sleep deficit
• regular overwork
• excessive physical activity
• pregnancy
• alcohol or drug abuse

A panic attack can cause a lot of trouble. Don't delay seeing your doctor.

General recommendations

Maintaining the correct daily routine is an important point in the fight against nervous tension.

You need to create your daily routine in such a way that there is enough space for both work and rest. It is also important to alternate between work and rest.

Sound and healthy sleep is something you desperately need. Moreover, it should occur precisely at night and be at least 8 hours a day.

You will have to eliminate alcohol and other stimulating drinks : coffee, strong tea. They excite the nervous system and prevent you from relaxing. Instead, drink soothing herbal infusions based on mint, lemon balm, chamomile, and linden.

Review your diet . Leave only healthy food in it. More vegetables and fruits are beneficial.

Constantly repeat to yourself that sport is your assistant in the fight against relapses of panic attacks. This is an excellent method for relieving tension and releasing negative energy. It increases the level of endorphins in the blood and reduces the amount of stress hormones. In addition, sports will allow you to abstract from your problems. Believe me, a hundred jumping ropes will bring you out of the blues and save you from gloomy thoughts.

In addition, physical exercise improves blood circulation, eliminates muscle tension, and liberates the body. It gives self-confidence, activates thinking, teaches self-control, and, of course, tightens the figure, makes it slimmer, and the image more harmonious. You will receive enormous benefits from playing sports, improve your sense of self and self-perception, and free yourself from certain complexes.

How long do panic attacks last?

The duration of panic attacks can vary greatly. We said above that a panic attack can last from several minutes to several hours. It is quite difficult to say what exact reasons influence the time and intensity of the attack. Some patients keep a diary of panic attacks to track why attacks occur. Sometimes such a tool helps to cope with an attack when the first symptoms appear. The fact is that when a person understands what exactly is happening to him, this reduces the intensity of fear, and accordingly the body stops “going crazy” and producing stress hormones in panic attack mode. But, of course, this method is not suitable for everyone.

In any case, if you have regular panic attacks, but have not yet started treatment, there are some tips that will help you cope with a panic attack more easily.

• If a panic attack occurs on the street, then move away from the road and crowds of people
• Carry medications prescribed by your doctor with you and take them in case of a panic attack
• During a panic attack, turn your attention to what is happening around you. Name out loud the objects you see, count passing cars, fingers, etc.
• One of the most unpleasant symptoms during a panic attack is loss of control of breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply. Inhalation, like exhalation, should last at least 4 seconds.
• If you feel that panic is interfering with your breathing, you can breathe into the bag.
• Wear a regular money band on your wrist. When attacking, snap yourself on the wrist with a rubber band. This way, you can concentrate on the physical sensations and take your mind off the panic attack.

Whatever method you use to relieve a panic attack, remember that only a doctor can prescribe the best treatment.

What happens during an attack

The patient’s first attacks occur after a strong emotional shock; it is this that provokes the severity of the disease increasing each time. Next, a certain trigger is needed for the paroxysm to take possession of the person again.

A similar factor may be close contact with other people, strong sound or unpleasant smell. Most often, triggers are associated with a traumatic situation. At first, the heart rate increases, the sweat glands begin to work to the maximum. They produce a large amount of sweat, perspiration appears on the forehead, and their hands become damp.

After a few minutes, panic sets in, the manifestation of which will vary from person to person. Some experience a strange feeling of confusion, forget where they are going, others are overcome by severe fear. They seem to freeze in one place, not finding the strength to make any movement.

The attack can last several minutes, for some it ends after one or two hours. The specificity of PA is the high rate of increase in symptoms. After the first attack, there is constant anxiety and concern for one’s health on a subconscious level. All organs and systems can operate uninterruptedly. Our clinic provides treatment for mental disorders; here you can undergo treatment for mental retardation and schizophrenia, and receive professional help in correcting the consequences of dementia and other pathologies.

How are panic attacks manifested and treated in men and women?

The main symptoms of attacks described above are characteristic of both sexes. It cannot be said that there are certain types of panic attacks that are characteristic only of men or only of women. Perhaps panic attacks during pregnancy. But these cases should be considered separately, because In women, during the period of bearing a child, the hormonal levels completely change. Therefore, it happens that panic attacks can begin during pregnancy and disappear after childbirth. If we talk about the symptoms and manifestations of attacks, they are similar for both sexes.

If we talk about psychological characteristics, women in general are more emotional. This quality helps to better understand and experience feelings, the suppression of which often leads to panic attacks. On the other hand, hormonal fluctuations in women can cause panic attacks. Panic attacks can also be associated with diseases of the endocrine system, which is more common in females.

The male psyche is structured somewhat differently. Also, do not discard psychological and social attitudes that lead to panic attacks. It’s sad, but the lion’s share of panic attacks among representatives of the stronger sex occurs due to suppressed emotions. Moreover, men tend to ignore the symptoms that arise during attacks for a long time. The main reason for this behavior is the fear of appearing weak. If men do not consult doctors for symptoms of more serious diseases, let alone any panic attacks. Therefore, when it comes to panic attacks, a man believes that he can handle it on his own, no matter how serious the symptoms may seem.

Treatment of panic attacks should be carried out based on the individual characteristics of each patient, regardless of gender. The treatment process for panic attacks must begin with a consultation with a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and neurologist. Doctors must conduct a full examination, clarify all the symptoms and the regularity of panic attacks. The patient also needs to inform doctors about his individual characteristics (allergies, etc.) and the presence of chronic diseases. To accurately diagnose and prescribe effective therapy, the patient must undergo basic blood tests, hormonal profiles and genetic analysis. If necessary, the doctor prescribes additional examinations, such as head and neck vessels and an electrocardiogram.

Standard treatment for panic attacks consists of techniques such as psychotherapy, drug support, physiotherapy, sessions with an osteopath, and xenon therapy.

Psychotherapy for panic attacks includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. During the sessions, the patient learns to perceive panic attacks and to react constructively to the appearance of alarming and unpleasant symptoms during attacks.

Psychoanalysis. The patient, with the help of a psychoanalyst, looks for internal traumas that led to panic attacks. It also deals with pent-up feelings that cause panic attacks.

How to behave during the interictal period

Therapy for panic attacks during periods of calm includes several key points. The main thing is to get rid of stress, traumatic situations and internal tension.

It is very important to increase the body's ability to withstand stress. A set of measures will help with this .

1. Learn to control your emotions and actions, take responsibility for them. To do this, analyze situations, your decisions, why you acted this way and not otherwise, what would have been better for you to do in this case. Write down your thoughts. If you have made wrong actions, review them and build a model of correct behavior. Now you know how to behave in a similar situation.
2. Let more positive emotions into your life. Watch pleasant, funny films, do what you love more often, communicate with positive people. Try to be alone less.
3. Stop making derogatory remarks about yourself. Praise yourself for your achievements, accept your shortcomings and work on them. Don't make comparisons between you and other people. Pay attention to yourself, look after yourself.
4. Try not to mentally return to traumatic situations that happened to you in the past. To avoid reliving negative emotions. Try to remove all things that may remind you of this event.
5. Find something you like. Direct your energy to creativity, not to dark thoughts.

Meditation will help you relax. It will relieve not only emotional tension, but also muscle tension. There are professional practices that require special training and knowledge of techniques.

At the everyday level, you can meditate by turning on relaxing music and taking a comfortable position. The best way to do this is to lie down. Close your eyes or focus on one object. Breathe deeply, evenly and mentally repeat the pre-prepared phrases: I am calm, my fear is receding, I have everything under control, and any other phrases adapted to your condition.

Medication support

A psychiatrist is involved in selecting medications for the treatment of panic attacks. A properly selected medication regimen will quickly reduce the frequency, intensity and number of symptoms of panic attacks. Appointments may include:

• Tranquilizers for quick relief of panic attacks. These drugs can cause addiction, so in no case should you increase the dosage on your own and use them daily, just to prevent attacks. These remedies are first aid for a severe panic attack, nothing more.
• Antidepressants for panic attacks. These drugs are used in serious cases where a panic attack occurs due to depression. This indicates a serious stage of the disease, which may require not only treatment for panic attacks, but also treatment for depression in a hospital.
• Beta blockers. The drugs quickly reduce high blood pressure and tachycardia during panic attacks.
• Nootropics. People suffering from panic attacks often complain of problems with memory and thinking in general. These drugs help improve blood circulation and brain performance.

Diagnosis of the disease

PA is a specific mental disorder that causes difficulties in diagnosis. It is not always possible, even after an examination and conversation with a psychiatrist, to determine what caused this condition - problems with the cardiovascular system, autonomic dysfunction, mental disorder. The neurologist checks reflexes, listens to the lungs, measures blood pressure, and examines the patient's abdomen to rule out internal bleeding. It is important to establish that these are paroxysms, and not a heart rhythm disorder or a heart attack. The patient undergoes an electrocardiogram, MRI, breathing tests, and an ultrasound examination.