PANIC ATTACKS

DOC I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK

Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror occuring without warning.
These episodes can occur at any time even while asleep

Most people with panic attacks may experience:
1.Fast heart beats
2.Feeling weak, giddy or faint
3.Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
4.Sense of terror of impending doom or death
5.Having cold sweats
6.Chest pains
7.Breathing difficulties
8.Feeling loss of control

Panic attacks are generally short lasting less than ten minutes

People with one panic attack are at greater risk for having another panic attacks than those who never had a panic attack.

Panic Disorder is when the attacks occur repeatedly .

The causes of Panic attacks are:

A.Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder.


Panic attacks occur twice as often for women than men.


The peak age of a person's first panic attack (onset) is 15-19 years.

Unlike other anxiety forms, panic attacks are very sudden and often unexpected, unprovoked, and are often disabling.

B.Panic attacks can also occur in:
1.posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
2.schizophrenia,
3.intoxication (alcohol or drugs)
4.thyroid abnormalities
5.anemia,
6.certain medications such as:
a.stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin),
b.diabetes medications like metformin and insulin,
c.antimalarial medications like quinine,
d.food additives like aspartame
7.withdrawal from certain drugs of abuse.
8.corticosteroid withdrawal, such as withdrawal from dexamethasone (Decadron).

The types of Panic attacks are:

During a panic attack he or she may develop irrational fears called phobias,
At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia.

The  symptoms and signs of Panic Attacks are:
The symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, without any apparent cause.
1.racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations);
2.chest pains;
3.stomach upset;
4.dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea;
5.difficulty breathing, a sense of feeling smothered;
6.tingling or numbness in the hands;
7.hot flashes or chills;
8.trembling and shaking;
9.dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions;
10.terror, a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it;
11.a need to escape;
12.nervousness about the possibility of losing control and doing something embarrassing;
13.fear of dying.

The duration of a panic attack typically lasts for more than 10 minutes,

The Complications from a Panic Attack are:
individuals with panic disorder seem to be at higher risk of having a heart valve abnormality called mitral valve prolapse (MVP)which needs special precautions to be taken when treated for any dental problem.

Anxiety attacks while asleep called nocturnal panic attacks affect about 40%-70% of those who suffer from daytime panic attacks.
People who suffer from panic symptoms while sleeping tend to
1.have more respiratory distress associated with their panic.
2.experience more symptoms of depression and other psychiatric disorders
3.to wake suddenly from sleep in a state of sudden fear or dread for no apparent reason.

The duration of nocturnal panic attacks tends to be less than 10 minutes.

Treatment of Panic Attacks:
1.Reassurance from Doctors that it is not dangerous.ECG is done to exclude heart conditions.

2.Rest


3.Psychotherapy and counseling


4.Mild tranquilliser may be given if necessary


5.Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and stimulant drugs

Panic attacks in children may result
1.in the child's grades declining,
2.avoiding school and other separations from parents,
3.substance abuse,
4.depression, and
5.suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions.