What are the symptoms of panic disorder? Early symptoms of panic disorder

The early symptoms of panic disorder mainly include sudden palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating and trembling, accompanied by a strong sense of fear or loss of control. The development of symptoms of panic disorder may go through three stages: early symptoms include occasional brief episodes, mid-term anticipated anxiety, and later development into place phobia.

1. Palpitations and chest tightness

Patients may experience sudden heart rate acceleration and obvious chest compression during an attack, often mistaken for a heart attack. This symptom usually lasts for several minutes to half an hour and may be accompanied by a stabbing sensation in the precordial area. Some patients may experience blood pressure fluctuations, but examination shows no organic lesions in the cardiac structure.

2. Respiratory disorders

are typically characterized by hyperventilation or a feeling of suffocation, which patients often describe as feeling breathless or almost suffocated. This is due to autonomic nervous system disorders leading to abnormal respiratory rate, which may cause secondary symptoms such as numbness and dizziness in the hands and feet. Deep breathing exercises can help alleviate respiratory distress during acute attacks.

3. Sweating and trembling

The whole body or local limbs involuntarily tremble, accompanied by symptoms of cold sweat, especially in the palms, armpits, and other areas. This symptom is related to the excessive secretion of adrenaline, which may be accompanied by abnormal temperature regulation and sudden changes in body sensation.

4. Reality disintegration

Patients may experience a sense of unreality, as if they are in a dream or looking at the world through glass. This perceptual abnormality belongs to dissociative symptoms. Some people experience personality disintegration at the same time, manifested as a brief confusion of self-identity, which usually recovers on its own after the onset.

5. Near death fear

Strong fear of death is a core psychological symptom, and patients often experience a sense of loss of control or madness. This level of fear is completely disproportionate to the actual danger, but when it occurs, patients cannot alleviate it through rational thinking, which may trigger avoidance or seeking help behaviors.

Patients with panic disorder should maintain a regular daily routine, avoid consuming stimulating substances such as caffeine, and learn relaxation techniques such as abdominal breathing. When symptoms occur frequently, it is recommended to record the triggering factors and duration of the attack, and seek professional evaluation in a timely manner. Cognitive behavioral therapy and progressive exposure training have significant effects on improving expected anxiety, and short-term interventions with anti anxiety drugs may be necessary under the guidance of a doctor. Regular aerobic exercise can help regulate autonomic nervous system function and reduce the frequency of symptom onset.