Panic Syndrome: Symptoms, What It Is And Causes
Panic syndrome tends to be more frequent in women in early adulthood
Panic syndrome, or panic disorder, is a condition characterized by sudden and unexpected attacks of fear and despair on a recurring and regular basis. The most obvious signs are a racing heart, shortness of breath and profuse sweating, leading many patients to mistake the syndrome for a heart attack.
Panic syndrome is more common than you think. In Brazil, it is estimated that 1% of the population has the condition and 5% of Brazilians report having had a panic attack.
Importantly, anxiety is a natural and even healthy part of life. Panic disorder, however, is characterized by the abrupt and recurrent way in which it appears. Someone with the condition can have them regularly and at any time, which can exacerbate anxiety.
panic attacks
Although they are frightening and intense, they are not dangerous. The symptoms of panic disorder vary from person to person, but they tend to be, for the most part:- Nausea
- Sweating
- tremors
- difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- tingling
- feeling of imminent death
- Palpitations
Causes
The causes of panic disorder may not be specific. It is usually considered a combination of physical and psychological factors.According to Mayo Clinic, some of the factors that can lead to panic disorder are:
- Genetics
- Traumatic events
- Stress
- Temperament sensitive or susceptible to negative emotions
- Changes in brain function
- Use of drugs
Panic attacks can start suddenly and without warning, but over time it becomes apparent that they are triggered by certain situations. Identifying triggers can help treat and reduce attacks.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for panic disorder, but there is a treatment. The objective is to reduce the number of attacks and decrease their severity. For this, the recommendation involves psychological monitoring and medication.
It is very important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Treatment is much more effective when the diagnosis is made in the early stages.
Left untreated, panic disorder can lead to isolation and even the development of other conditions such as agoraphobia.
Considerations
There are certain measures that can help to alleviate and reduce the intensity of panic attacks.
Find a safe area
Since it is difficult to determine the duration of the attack, find a safe place where you can be alone.
If you are driving, park your car in a safe area.
accept the panic attack
The first panic attack is the most frightening as the person doesn't know what's going on at the moment. However, as they repeat themselves, you learn how to better control them. So don't resist the attack, it can aggravate it and increase anxiety and panic. So make sure the attack does not pose a threat to your life and that it will pass.
Some experts suggest having a personal mantra that can comfort the person at the time of the attack. Phrases like “I'll be fine” “It will pass” are used a lot.
Focus
During a panic episode the mind tends to be charged with frightening thoughts and sensations. Focus your focus on something, this will divert your attention from the thoughts and help to calm your breathing. Focus on the time ticking on your watch, your pet's breathing, a picture, a sound, dictate the numbers of the seven times table... Or whatever is best for you.
calm your breathing
It is an instinct to speed up breathing in times of panic. Try to focus on her. Your lungs may not seem able to support oxygen, but breathing too quickly can make the situation worse. Take a deep, slow breath and count to three on each breath.
There are breathing apps for moments like this, they simulate breathing and make it easy for the user to play it.
Check out the video. In it, the audience must breathe as the forms expand and shrink.
