Panic attack
Period of intense fear / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear and discomfort that may include palpitations, sweating, chest pain or chest discomfort, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or a feeling of impending doom or of losing control.[1][2][7] Typically, symptoms reach a peak within ten minutes of onset, and last for roughly 30 minutes, but the duration can vary from seconds to hours.[3][8] Although they can be extremely frightening and distressing, panic attacks themselves are not physically dangerous.[6][9]
Panic attack | |
---|---|
A depiction of someone experiencing a panic attack being reassured by another person | |
Specialty | Psychiatry |
Symptoms | Periods of intense fear, palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness[1][2] |
Complications | Self-harm, suicide[2] |
Usual onset | Over minutes[2] |
Duration | Seconds to hours[3] |
Causes | Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug use, depression, medical problems[2][4] |
Risk factors | Smoking, psychological stress[2] |
Diagnostic method | After other possible causes excluded[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, heart disease, lung disease, drug use, dysautonomia[2] |
Treatment | Counselling, medications[5] |
Medication | Antidepressant |
Prognosis | Usually good[6] |
Frequency | 3% (EU), 11% (US)[2] |
The essential features of panic attacks remain unchanged, although the complicated DSM-IV terminology for describing different types of panic attacks (i.e., situationally bound/cued, situationally predisposed, and unexpected/uncued) is replaced with the terms unexpected and expected panic attacks. Panic attacks function as a marker and prognostic factor for severity of diagnosis, course, and comorbidity across an array of disorders, including but not limited to anxiety disorders. Hence, panic attacks can be listed as a specifier that is applicable to all DSM-5 disorders.[10]
Panic attacks can occur due to several disorders including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, depression, and medical problems.[2][4] They can either be triggered or occur unexpectedly.[2] Smoking, caffeine, and psychological stress increase the risk of having a panic attack.[2] Before diagnosis, conditions that produce similar symptoms should be ruled out, such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, heart disease, lung disease, drug use, and dysautonomia.[2][11]
Treatment of panic attacks should be directed at the underlying cause.[6] In those with frequent attacks, counseling or medications may be used.[5] Breathing training and muscle relaxation techniques may also help.[12] Those affected are at a higher risk of suicide.[2]
In Europe, about 3% of the population has a panic attack in a given year while in the United States they affect about 11%.[2] They are more common in females than in males.[2] They often begin during puberty or early adulthood.[2] Children and older people are less commonly affected.[2]