Panic Disorder

panic attack

periodic, short bursts that occur suddenly and gradually pass

symptoms

• palpitations

• tingling in limbs

• hot/cold flashes

• faintness

• shortness of breath

• sweating

• trembling

• dizziness

checklist for diagnosis

• unforeseen panic attacks occur repeatedly

• one or more of the attacks precede either of the following symptoms

i. at least a month of continual concern about having more attacks

ii. at least a month of dysfunctional behavior changes associates with the attacks

accompanied by which disorder

agoraphobia

drug treatment

• antidepressant drugs that increase norepinephrine & serotonin

• decreases hyperactivity

• benzodiazepine is used but causes physical dependence

biological causes

• panic circuit

• genetic predisposition

panic circuit

• amygdala

• hippocampus

• ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus

• central gray matter

• locus coeruleus

why people are more prone

• more intense bodily sensations/reactions (blood rate, breathing, etc)

• higher trauma incidences

• anxiety sensitivity

anxiety sensitivity

tendency to focus on one’s bodily sensations and interpret them as harmful

cognitive behavioral causes

• combination of biology and mind

• full panic attacks are experienced by those who misinterpret the bodily sensations

cognitive behavioral

• some people are just more prone to bodily sensations

cognitive behavioral therapy

• educate clients about panic attacks, causes of sensations, tendency to misinterpret

• teach them to apply more accurate interpretations

• techniques to help anxiety