What it is: Repeated periods of fear or discomfort that develop without warning, along with a racing heartbeat. Panic attacks can cause sufferers to feel anxious all the time, or to avoid places or activities where attacks often set in, disrupting daily life and often causing depression. This depression may lead the sufferer to turn to drugs or alcohol, which actually worsen anxiety and increase the panic attacks. The disorder is more common in women and usually begins when victims are in their twenties, often after a traumatic event.
Symptoms:
intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror
racing or pounding heartbeat
dizziness or lightheadedness
chest pain or heart palpitations
shortness of breath of feeling of smothering
sweating
trembling or shaking
nausea or abdominal distress
hot or cold flashes
sense of unreality
fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy
Treatment: Combination of medication and psychotherapy can help prevent panic attacks, and cognitive and behavioral therapy can help alleviate anxiety when panic attacks do occur. Drugs commonly used to treat depression help 75-90% of panic attack victims.
