It may have happened to you. One night after going to sleep, you suddenly wake up — Your heart is pounding, your chest hurts and you may feel like you are going to have a heart attack and die. Then you go to the hospital and after several tests find out that you weren’t having a heart attack at all, you were having a panic attack.

Those with Panic experience an intense fear or discomfort that comes on quickly. During the panic the person experiences several things that may include: pounding heart, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and fears of going crazy or dying.

Panic is common with Phobias. Phobias are irrational fears of particular things or situations. When exposed to one of these things or situations, a panic attack may follow.
By contrast some people never “know” when they are going to have an attack, making their world much less predictable.

But why do some people have panic attacks and others do not? There is strong evidence that we inherit a tendency to be tense or uptight. This genetic vulnerability sets the stage for us to become anxious if the right psychological and social factors line up.
In Panic, there is often some stress that leads to a feeling in the body such as dizziness or fast beating heart. The person with panic then focuses on this sensation and interprets it to be an indication that something very bad is about to happen, including completely losing control, going crazy, or dying.

Since many of the symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders — people with panic disorder often make many visits to emergency rooms or doctors’ offices, convinced they have a life-threatening illness.
It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis. Approximately one out of every 10 people has had an occasional unexpected panic attack. But only 3% of the population goes on to develop panic disorder. It is also three times more common in women than in men.

Many people suffering from panic attacks don’t know they have a real and treatable disorder. Some are afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone, including their doctors, fearing they will be considered a hypochondriac. Instead they suffer in silence, distancing themselves from friends, family, and others who could be helpful or supportive.

The disorder often occurs with other mental and physical disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or substance abuse.
Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications are often prescribed to treat symptoms of panic. In addition, a type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven to be highly effective in decreasing both panic symptoms and the fear of having another panic attack. Approximately 80% of those who undergo cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder experience significant improvement.

If you would like more information about this or other anxiety disorders, visit the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website at www.adaa.org

If you would like to know more about me you may go to my website at drgregcason.com

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