The panic attacks in panic disorder are unpredictable, meaning they are not limited to given circumstances or situations. The main symptoms vary in intensity in individuals suffering from this disorder, but the most typical ones are:
– feeling of suffocation and chest pain
– accelerated heartbeat
– feeling of unreality
– often there is an additional fear of going mad, losing control and fear of death
The duration, the frequency of attacks and the course of the disease vary from person to person, and most often the attack itself lasts up to several minutes (but it is possible to last longer). Panic attacks often occur when, for example, a person travels on a bus or is among people, which can make the patient avoid a specific situation in which he has already had an anxiety attack. This can lead to fear of visiting public spaces or fear of being by yourself.
Causes of the disease:
– biological
– hereditary factors (brother or sister of those affected by panic disorder are 5 times more likely to have similar symptoms)
– personal characteristics (addictive traits, histrional personality disorder)
– psychological stress
– problems in childhood (for example lack of a good relationship with the mother or caregiver)
The panic disorder is often accompanied by other disorders such as:
– depression
– sleep problems
– alcoholism
– suicidal ideas
Treatment should be multidimensional:
– antidepressants
– psychotherapy
– cognitive-behavioral therapy
– breathing techniques