Panic attack is not a disease in itself, but a set of symptoms. It may occur with anxiety disorders, as well as with other mental disorders (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders) and some physical diseases (heart, respiratory, balance, stomach-related disorders).
bowel-related diseases) may occur.
Panic attack is a sudden, intense fear or fear that reaches its peak within minutes and at which time at least four of the following symptoms appear.
It is a state suppressed by intense internal distress.
Palpitation
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or the feeling of being suffocated.
Feeling of breathlessness
Chest pain or chest tightness
Nausea or abdominal pain
Dizziness, inability to stand, light-headedness or Feeling like fainting
Shivering, chills, chills or hot flushes
Numbness
Alienation from the environment (derealization) or self (depersonalization)
Fear of losing control or 'going crazy'
Fear of death
Panic attacks often begin suddenly with rapidly increasing symptoms over a 10-minute period. Severe fear,
feelings of death and extinction are dominant. Patients may feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. Physically; Palpitations, dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and sweating are observed. The attack usually lasts 20-
30 minutes, rarely exceeding an hour. Symptoms may disappear quickly or slowly. Patients apply to emergency services, saying that they are about to die of a heart attack. Nothing is found in the examinations and laboratory examinations. They are usually sedated and sent home.
This situation may occur suddenly in a situation where the person is calm or anxious. Additionally, culture
specific symptoms; Tinnitus, neck pain, headache, involuntary screaming or crying may be observed.
Panic disorder, after at least one of the panic attacks, the person experiences at least one of the following: one
month:
Persistent anxiety about having further panic attacks or their possible consequences (anticipatory i
anxiety)
Constant sadness
feeling with the belief that panic attacks can lead to bad consequences (going crazy, paralysis, death)
As a precaution against attacks and their possible bad consequences, showing behavioral changes that lead to adjustment disorder
. For example; Agoraphobia; such as avoiding sports or familiar or unfamiliar situations, not going to work, constantly carrying water with you, constantly measuring blood pressure.
Agoraphobia; It is the inability of patients to go alone to places where they think a panic attack will occur.
It is seen in 60% of panic disorder patients. Patients cannot stay at home alone,
They cannot go out, they cannot take public transportation, elevators, or enter crowded places.
The population prevalence of panic disorder, which is frequently seen in clinics, is around 3-4%. Although it often begins in the 20s
, it can also begin at any time in life. It is seen 2-3 times more in women than in men.
Panic disorder occurs as a result of the abnormal
function of some brain hormones that regulate excitement and emotional experiences in the brain.
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Anxiety is one of the basic emotions that every person feels from time to time and is necessary to sustain life
. Physical symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, difficulty breathing, and tremors that can be seen when anxiety is felt; It is misinterpreted during a panic attack. For example, the presence of palpitations
is interpreted as a sign of a possible heart attack.
Panic disorder, which significantly impairs the quality of life, is perhaps the most easily
treatable in psychiatric practice. It is a disease. Only one or both of drug therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy
can be applied together. Applying both methods together is more effective and will prevent recurrences
.
In drug treatment, especially drugs that act on serotonin are used. It is important to continue the treatment for 6-12 months
. Stopping the treatment with the thought of 'I'm fine' immediately after the symptoms disappear may cause the symptoms to quickly return. It is important that not only panic attacks
but also anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behaviors disappear.
Cognition l-in behavioral therapy; The patient's misinformation and interpretations about panic attacks are corrected.
A chart is prepared and exercise assignments are given to help the patient overcome his/her fears.
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