What are the symptoms of panic disorder

Panic disorder is mainly characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear, which may be caused by genetic factors, long-term stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, traumatic experiences, specific environmental stimuli, etc. It can be intervened through cognitive behavioral therapy, medication treatment, relaxation training, psychological education, lifestyle adjustments, and other methods.

1. Genetic factors [SEP]: People with a history of panic disorder in the SEP family have a higher probability of developing the disease, which is related to specific genetic variations affecting the brain's fear regulation function. It is recommended that individuals with a family history undergo regular mental health screening and enhance emotional stability through preventive training such as mindfulness meditation. In daily life, it is necessary to maintain a regular schedule and avoid excessive intake of stimulating substances such as caffeine.

2. Long term stress

Continuous work pressure or interpersonal conflicts may lead to excessive sensitivity of the amygdala, causing sudden physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating. Stress can be reduced through time management and setting social boundaries. Yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can effectively alleviate physical tension reactions. Recording stress source logs helps identify triggering factors.

3. Neurotransmitter imbalance

insufficient secretion of gamma aminobutyric acid or abnormal levels of norepinephrine can affect emotional regulation, leading to typical symptoms such as suffocation and dizziness. Doctors may recommend using antidepressants such as paroxetine and escitalopram to regulate neurochemicals. Cooperating with aerobic exercise can promote the secretion of endorphins and improve neural plasticity.

4. Traumatic experiences

Traumatic memories such as childhood abuse or major accidents may be stored in the fear circuit of the brain, manifested as recurrent feelings of impending death. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy can reorganize traumatic memory cognition, while exposure therapy can gradually reduce sensitivity to specific scenarios. Establishing safe island technology can quickly alleviate the feeling of loss of control during acute attacks.

5. Environmental stimuli

Crowded spaces or enclosed environments may induce symptoms such as hyperventilation and numbness in hands and feet. System desensitization training helps patients gradually adapt to the triggering environment, and carrying a paper bag for breathing can instantly alleviate hyperventilation. Cognitive restructuring techniques can change the catastrophic interpretation of environmental threats.

Panic disorder patients need to establish personalized response plans that include deep breathing techniques and emergency contacts, maintain moderate intensity exercise such as swimming or brisk walking at least three times a week, and regularly consume deep-sea fish and nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Avoiding nerve stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine and maintaining a stable sleep cycle can help reduce the frequency of seizures. When symptoms continue to worsen, it is necessary to seek timely treatment at a psychiatric or clinical psychology department. Professional treatment combined with daily self-management can significantly improve prognosis.