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

Panic disorder is an acute anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent sudden and intense feelings of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and tremors. The typical manifestations of a panic attack include rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a feeling of impending death or loss of control, and symptoms typically peak within 10 minutes.

1. Physical Symptoms

During a panic attack, there may be obvious autonomic nervous system dysfunction symptoms. Patients may feel a strong or rapid heartbeat, and some may experience chest pain or discomfort. Respiratory symptoms include shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation, which may be accompanied by dizziness or numbness in the hands and feet caused by excessive ventilation. The digestive system may experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, and some patients may have symptoms of diarrhea.

II. Mental Symptoms

Patients may suddenly experience strong feelings of fear or discomfort, which often have no clear cause. There is a common fear of death or the fear of losing control, and some people may experience reality disintegration or personality disintegration. During an attack, patients often have a strong urge to escape, which may manifest as sudden departure from the scene in public places.

III. Expectant Anxiety

Between two panic attacks, patients often continue to worry about another attack, and this type of anticipated anxiety is an important characteristic of panic disorder. Patients may exhibit avoidance behavior towards specific locations, such as avoiding going out alone or crowded places due to fear of getting help in areas where they cannot. Long term untreated conditions may lead to complications such as agoraphobia.

4. Attack Characteristics

Panic attacks usually start suddenly, reach their peak within 10 minutes, most last 20-30 minutes, and rarely exceed 1 hour. The frequency of seizures varies from person to person, ranging from several times per week to several times per month. Some patients have specific triggers for their attacks, such as confined spaces, but more often there are no obvious triggers for their attacks. Nocturnal attacks are not uncommon, and patients may wake up from sleep.

Fifth, Disease Cognition

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder, not an organic disease. Although the symptoms are severe during the attack, it does not directly endanger life. Patients often become more anxious due to repeated medical check ups showing no abnormalities. This disease may be related to genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances, psychological factors, etc. Long term stress or major life events may trigger the first onset.

Patients with panic disorder should pay attention to maintaining a healthy daily routine. Regular exercise can help alleviate anxiety symptoms, but excessive fatigue should be avoided. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake in diet, as these substances may induce or worsen symptoms. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help control symptoms during an attack. It is recommended to undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy under the guidance of a professional doctor, and medication may be used if necessary. Family members should understand that the patient's symptoms were not intentional and provide appropriate support rather than overprotection. Regular follow-up visits to assess changes in the patient's condition are important, as most patients can achieve good control through standardized treatment.