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

The main symptoms of panic disorder include sudden palpitations, sweating tremors, suffocation, a feeling of impending death, and a sense of disintegration of reality. Panic attacks may be accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness in hands and feet, nausea and abdominal pain, and uncontrollable fear, usually lasting for several minutes to half an hour. After the attack, persistent worry or avoidance behavior may occur.

1. Palpitations and sweating

Patients may suddenly feel their heart beating violently or their heart rate increasing, accompanied by a large amount of sweating. This physiological reaction often has no clear cause and may occur suddenly in a quiet state, leading some people to mistake it for a heart attack. During an attack, the skin is damp and cold, the palms are hot and moist, often accompanied by pale or flushed complexion.

Second, suffocation tremor

is typically characterized by difficulty breathing or a feeling of obstruction in the throat, and some patients describe it as inability to inhale enough air. The body may experience involuntary tremors, commonly at the ends of the limbs, and in severe cases, muscle tension throughout the body. This symptom can easily lead to hyperventilation, which can cause numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

III. Near Death Fear

About half of patients will experience strong fear of death, thinking that they are about to die suddenly or go insane. This psychological experience is often accompanied by a sense of loss of control, and patients may suddenly grab others for help or call emergency numbers. Despite knowing that fear is irrational, one cannot control this emotional response through reason.

4. Reality disintegration

Some patients may experience symptoms of personality disintegration or reality disintegration, manifested as blurred self-awareness or distorted environment. You may feel that things around you are not real, or feel like you are observing yourself in a dream. This abnormal perception can easily exacerbate panic and form a vicious cycle.

Fifth, gastrointestinal discomfort

often accompanies obvious gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gastric colic, diarrhea, or nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are related to autonomic nervous system disorders and may be misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis. Some patients may experience decreased appetite or eating disorders after the onset.

Patients with panic disorder should maintain a regular daily routine and avoid consuming beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. It is recommended to perform abdominal breathing training. When experiencing a premonition, try covering your mouth and nose with a paper bag for breathing. Regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming can help alleviate anxiety, while relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation can improve autonomic nervous system regulation. If symptoms occur frequently, it is necessary to seek timely evaluation at a psychiatric department. Cognitive behavioral therapy and drug combination therapy have significant effects on most patients. Daily recording of triggers and duration of seizures can help doctors adjust treatment plans.