A panic disorder can be diagnosed when a person has at least 2 panic attacks and are constantly trying to change how they function to prevent another panic attack. An attack right refers to an overwhelming feeling of fear even when there is no apparent danger. A panic disorder is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
A panic attack consists of a sudden unexplained feeling of fear that can occur at any time and anywhere. The person will have at least four of the following symptoms during an attack:
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Tightness of throat
- Shortness of breath
- A sense of danger
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Fear of death
- Fear of a loss of control
- Cramps in the belly
- Choking feeling
A panic attack usually lasts between 5 to 10 minutes. However, in severe cases it can continue for hours. The person may feel like they are having a stroke or heart attack. For this reason, many people may end up in the ER after a panic attack.
Although panic attacks aren’t fatal, they may get worse if you don’t seek treatment. Also, the symptoms of a panic attack are similar to the symptoms of other serious conditions, which is why seeking medical help is necessary.
What are the causes of panic disorders?
While doctors cannot identify the exact causes behind this disorder, one of the possibilities is that a person’s brain may be more sensitive to fear. This might be the reason why panic disorders are also commonly found in people with one or more types of phobias.
Other things that can make a person more likely to have this disorder may include:
- Trouble dealing with negative emotions or feelings
- Increased levels of stress
- A family history of panic disorders
Some researchers think that panic attacks are tied to the following:
- Suicide risk
- Depression
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
Diagnosing a panic disorder
A panic disorder is not something that can be tested in a lab. Since its symptoms are similar to that of a heart attack, a physician may start by ruling out other health conditions. If no other medical condition is found causing the symptoms and a person has had 2 or more attacks, then they are likely to be diagnosed with a panic disorder.
If you or someone you know is struggling with panic disorder, seek professional help immediately. At FastDocNow, we offer online mental health care services. You can easily book an online appointment with our experts by visiting our website anytime.
We also offer in-home lab testing, online prescription refills, and much more. Contact us today to learn more about our telemedicine services.