SHAREThe 10th of July is National Panic Awareness Day, which has been set aside to create greater awareness around the debilitating condition where sufferers often experience feelings of anxiety and panic, often with no specific trigger.
While it’s normal for everyone to experience panic at certain times, panic disorder is when recurrent and unexpected panic attacks occur, where victims live in constant fear of another panic attack.
A panic attack is an unpleasant sensation of intense fear that comes without warning and can happen anywhere and at any time. This often prevents the individual from leaving home and avoiding certain places and activities – increasing their risk of depression. Symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, chills, trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness or dizziness, numbness in the hands, being out of breath (hyperventilating), and chest pains.
Although the exact cause of panic disorder is unknown, there are a number of triggers. These include becoming overwhelmed by the challenges of modern life that may lead to chronic stress, and when left unalleviated or untreated, could lead to frequent panic attacks; a traumatic experience, such as the loss of a loved one or divorce; depression; substance abuse; serious illness; a hereditary predisposition to panic or an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain; drinking too much caffeine or taking appetite suppressants.
Panic disorders are twice as common in women than in men. Women typically experience panic episodes in their early twenties, whereas men experience it in their forties. The average panic attack lasts between 4-20 minutes but could endure for up to an hour. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
People with panic disorder often misuse alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. Furthermore, up to 20% try to end their life. While sufferers may feel hopeless, there is help. Panic disorder is a highly treatable condition, and with the right therapy, 90% of people recover fully, while the remaining 10% experience significant recovery.
If you think you may suffer from panic disorder, schedule a consultation with your GP, who will be able to diagnose it properly and rule out any underlying disease as a possible cause. They are likely to prescribe talk therapy as well as medicine; however, your treatment will depend on your symptoms.
