Studies indicate that between 1.5 and 3.5 percent of people in our society may experience problems related to panic disorder at least once during their lifetime. The condition is twice as common among women as among men. In most cases, symptoms begin to appear around the age of twenty-five. Panic disorder often develops following distressing life events such as divorce, loss of employment, or the death of a loved one. However, scientific evidence increasingly suggests that individuals who experienced psychological trauma during childhood are at a greater risk of developing panic disorder. People with panic disorder are also more likely to suffer from other mental health conditions. Some resort to excessive use of alcohol or sleeping pills in an attempt to self-medicate, eventually becoming dependent on them.
Causes
Research suggests that panic disorder may result from an imbalance in the chemical messengers used by the nerve cells of the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions. This imbalance may lead to excessive levels of adrenaline in the brain and bloodstream. The brainstem, the limbic system, and the prefrontal cortex all play important roles in regulating anxiety. Panic disorder also has a hereditary component, with studies estimating the genetic risk at approximately 4.8 percent.
Symptoms
A person may be diagnosed with panic disorder if at least four of the following symptoms occur together: sudden palpitations without any apparent cause, excessive sweating, trembling, difficulty in breathing, chest discomfort, abdominal distress, nausea, dizziness, a feeling of unreality or detachment from one’s surroundings, fear of losing control, fear of imminent death, and numbness or sensations of heat spreading through the limbs or other parts of the body.
A proper assessment includes a detailed evaluation of the anxious thoughts experienced by the individual, the physical symptoms accompanying the panic attack, the person’s behavioural responses during an episode, and an assessment for any coexisting mental illnesses. Once a thorough physical and psychological evaluation confirms the diagnosis of panic disorder, treatment under a mental health professional is strongly recommended. As with other physical and mental illnesses, several effective medications are available for the management of panic disorder, and consultation with a psychiatrist is essential.
Psychological Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps patients understand the underlying causes of their condition through structured behavioural training and teaches them effective strategies to manage their symptoms. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and other practical methods for controlling panic attacks form an integral part of this therapy. CBT has shown significant improvement in most patients. With sustained treatment over an extended period, about 30 to 40 percent of patients experience almost complete recovery. Although complete remission may not occur in nearly half of the cases, appropriate treatment enables them to lead normal daily lives without significant impairment.
Rev. Dr. Sijon Kuzhikkattumyalil
Consultant Psychologist
