What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a psychiatric condition that’s characterized by a diverse clinical presentation.
If you ask a patient who’s having a panic attack about their feelings, they will describe their symptoms as physical entities rather than psychological.
In other words, these patients may be aware that their symptoms are caused by mental illness, but they cannot control what they’re experiencing since it feels more organic.
Some patients may even think they’re dealing with a cardiovascular issue due to the similarities between a panic attack and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
The difference between a panic attack and panic disorder
People often confuse panic attacks with panic disorder; however, these two conditions are different.
According to the DSM-V, a panic disorder is defined as having at least one panic attack followed by one month of constant worry about the consequences of the attack and/or considerable behavioral modifications.
In simpler terms, a panic attack might be a one-time thing, while panic disorder is a chronic psychiatric illness.
The symptoms of a panic attack
Regardless of the nomenclature, the symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Tachycardia (accelerated heart rate)
- Palpitations (pounding heart)
- Profuse sweating
- Trembling
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea and dizziness
- Fear of dying
Treatment of panic attacks
The treatment of panic attacks consists of pharmacological drugs and psychotherapy.
For the acute phase, doctors often prescribe medications from the benzodiazepines family, which act immediately to reduce anxiety and stress.
However, if you are diagnosed with panic disorder, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are warranted to prevent future panic attacks.
Aside from these two approaches, here are some self-help tips to reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks:
Accept that you have a problem
The first step towards treating this issue is to admit that you have one! Acknowledge that you are someone who is fighting back this condition rather than suffering from it.
This action will help you take further steps in your treatment journey.
Inform your friends
Choose a family member or a friend that you trust and tell them how you feel. Their support will play a major role in controlling your panic attacks.
Avoid bad habits
Learn to stay away from unhealthy habits, such as drinking too much alcohol, caffeine, or other drugs. These substances will not heal you; on the contrary, they will worsen your situation even further.
Takeaway message
As you can see, panic attacks present with diverse signs and symptoms that are difficult to manage.
Unfortunately, many patients are unable to visit a psychiatrist due to psychological and/or socioeconomic reasons. Add to that the global quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the result is patients are suffering in silence.
However, it is not all doom and gloom!
We at KOAP have started offering our services online via videoconferencing (telepsychiatry) to help patients from the comfort of their homes. To schedule your appointment today click this link.