Panic is a form of short term anxiety and is a natural self-defensive mechanism in response to a perceived threat or danger. The body’s autonomic system activates a physical and emotional retaliation and initiates the “fight or flight” response, to control bodily functions and psychological reactions in situations of acute stress. Respiration and heart rates increase, the endocrine system secretes adrenalin and cortisol and the immune system shuts down, temporarily blocking feelings of pain.
And while this is a natural and normal response to impending danger, when there is no danger, or where the danger or threat is false or unnaturally high in response to the actual stimuli, the self-protective “fight or flight” response provokes an unnecessary and inappropriate panic reaction that for millions of panic disorder sufferers worldwide is distressing, disturbing and debilitating.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV-TR, at least four of the following physical and psychological symptoms must be present in a panic attack: elevated respiration and heart rate, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feelings of doom, destruction or impending death, sensations of helplessness, insanity or loss of control, dizzy spells, compulsive thoughts, overwhelming fear, chills or shakiness and malaise in public places.
Manifestations of a Panic Attack
Extreme panic manifests itself in the form of attacks in about 2% of the general population, at least twice as often in women as men, and most commonly in individuals between the ages of 16 and 40. A typical attack lasts an average of 10 minutes, but sometimes lasts as long as 30-45 minutes in length.
Accompanying panic attacks is often a moderate to severe form of depression, present in approximately 50% of panic disorder sufferers. Panic attacks can be sudden and spontaneous, more predictable and situational, or less predictable and situational. Experiencing a panic attack is not medically harmful; however, if left untreated, repeated panic attacks can impair social functioning, encourage isolation, lead to depression, self-harm or even suicide.
Different Types of Panic Attacks
Spontaneous (uncued) panic attacks can occur without any warning at any given moment. An unprovoked feeling of nervousness and apprehension suddenly settles, triggering the onset of the attack. The most difficult type of panic attack to cope with because of its unpredictability, sufferers often isolate themselves and avoid social settings, to prevent potential public embarrassment should an impromptu attack arise in public. Worrying about the next attack continues to fuel the panic. Often a professional analysis of the patterns of previous attacks reveals trends or certain situational stressors, hitherto unknown to the sufferer.
Situational (cued) panic attacks are in response to particular phobias and specific situational stressors. Such panic attacks arise only in controlled situations, and the sufferer does not experience attacks when removed from the threatening context. Exposure to the stressful situation, or threat, fear or anticipation of exposure to the stressful situation is the prerequisite for the panic attack.
Situational panic attacks tend to be sporadic and while a particular situation is a known cause of the attack, being in the stressful situation does not invariably cause an attack in the predisposed sufferer. This type of panic attack responds particularly well and rapidly to treatment options.
When it comes to treating panic disorders, there is no such thing a magic pill that will eliminate the condition in one day. But there are good programs that better equip you to deal with your panic attacks. If you want to experience a rapid reduction in unpleasant sensations, regain feelings of control, and through practice, eliminate this condition entirely. I recommend : Panic Away Program by Barry Joey McDonagh.
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