What is a panic attack, defined as attacks of intense distress or fear that start suddenly and recur from time to time, leaving people in terror? Panic attack is a disorder that occurs in the form of seizures and includes feelings of anxiety, fear, and distress (such as fear of death). It can be seen together with psychological problems or some diseases. The patient is completely afraid during a sudden seizure. He thinks that he will die, that there is a problem with his heart, that he will have a heart attack. The attack becomes most severe within 10 minutes. The patient consults the doctor in panic. He thinks he will faint and something bad will happen. After about half an hour, the attack begins to pass. The person feels very tired and exhausted. He doesn't want to do anything. He has no patience left, he doesn't want to be alone. He feels safe next to someone.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A PANIC ATTACK?
There are 13 symptoms of a panic attack. If there are at least 4 of these, there is a high probability of having a panic attack. Palpitations, heart beating hard and as if it is going to jump out, Sweating (hot flushes, chills), Tremors, Difficulty in breathing, fear of suffocation, congestion, Dizziness, thinking that you will pass out, Nausea, burping, abdominal pain, Shortness of breath, deep breath thinking that there is not enough air breathing, chest tightness, pain, inability to feel oneself, alienation from oneself, difficulty in perception (depersonalization), thinking that the environment is not real (derealization), fear of dying, thinking that one will go crazy, fear of harming others, numbness in one's body,
tingling . WHERE DO PANIC ATTACKS OCCUR? WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS?
It often occurs for no reason. It is thought to occur due to chemical substances in the brain or as a result of the loss of function of the lateral part of the brain. It can occur alone or with various diseases. The patient begins to experience symptoms. Living a stressful life triggers panic attacks. Apart from these, the following situations may cause panic attacks: Epilepsy, lung-heart diseases, Vitamin deficiency, caffeinated foods, Thyroid gland problems, excessive adrenaline secretion, Low blood sugar, anemia, brain tumor, Side effects of medications. result, Don't stay in closed places, stay It may occur as a result of excessive eating, depression, neurological disorders, stimulant use and sudden discontinuation of this substance.
WHO HAS PANIC ATTACKS? WHO IS AT RISK?
The incidence in the society varies between 1-3 percent. It can occur at any age, usually in the twenties. It is slightly more likely to be seen in women. Genetic characteristics are also effective. It is more common in close relatives with panic disorder. Some people are afraid to express themselves in public. It can be seen in people who live under constant pressure, who are introverted, who do not share their problems with anyone, and who lead an asocial life. It is wrong to suppress one's own impulses. He has to express his anger, sadness and sexuality. Suppression of these or their inhibition by others causes panic disorder. Panic disorder can be seen in people who use addictive substances, people who feel guilty, people who obsess over problems, and those who have a perfectionist nature.
ARE PANIC ATTACKS AND PANIC DISORDER THE SAME AS?
Panic attacks and panic disorder. It is not the same. Panic disorder is a state of constant worry and fear, thinking that one will have a heart attack, die, have attacks again, or have a stroke. It does not occur due to another disorder. This disorder can exist in two forms: with or without agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is the fear of being alone. Situations such as staying away from closed and crowded places and not wanting to stay at home alone are observed. He is afraid of going out alone and ceases to be social.
HOW IS THE TREATMENT?
First of all, examination and tests are performed and it is investigated whether there is any cardiovascular or respiratory disease. However, having these diseases does not mean that panic attacks do not occur. Panic attacks may also occur together with these. The aim of treatment is to eliminate panic attacks, control the patient's feelings of anxiety and fear, make him social and prevent psychological problems that occur as a result of this disease. For this reason, therapy should be applied to the patient in addition to medication. If necessary, it may be necessary to exercise the patient. Antidepressant drugs are used for treatment. In addition, it is a soothing, relaxing Tranquilizers may also be used. Although problems may appear when the drug is first used, these will decrease over time. You should not stop taking the medicine. Even if the disease passes, the medication should be continued for a while to prevent it from recurring. You should take the dose and time of use of the medicine as recommended by the doctor. The medicine taken during an attack is useless.
WHAT CAN THE PATIENT DO DURING AN ATTACK?
You should sit or lie down somewhere. Tell yourself that this is just an attack, there is nothing to be afraid of, and wait for the attack to pass. During an attack, it is necessary to avoid sad and exciting discussions. You should avoid caffeinated drinks, cigarettes and alcohol use. Try to control yourself. Do not breathe deeply during an attack, because complaints increase. You may breathe into a bag until the seizure passes.
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