Panic Disorder

PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder is a psychological condition characterized by unexpected panic attacks, fear about having future attacks, intense anxiety about places where attacks might occur, and avoidance behaviors.

Panic disorder is among the most common psychiatric disorders, with an estimated prevalence of 3–4%. Although it most frequently begins in the 20s, it can occur at any age.

Panic Attack

Panic disorder involves sudden and unexplained episodes of panic attacks. A panic attack is not a disorder on its own; rather, it is a cluster of symptoms that may occur during various conditions (such as severe trauma, phobias, substance use, or intense anxiety).

These symptoms include:

Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)

Sweating

Trembling

Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Fear of losing control or “going crazy”

Fear of dying

Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself or one’s body)

Derealization (feeling that the environment is unreal)

Numbness or tingling sensations

Hot flashes or chills

A panic attack is defined as a state in which at least four of these symptoms reach their peak within 10 minutes.

Panic attacks may occur very frequently—sometimes once a week or even more often. They usually last a few minutes, but in some cases may continue for hours.

Panic attacks can be triggered by specific situations (such as being in a crowded bus, being alone at home, riding an elevator, or driving a car), but they may also occur unexpectedly during calm or seemingly safe situations such as relaxation or sleep.

During a panic attack, individuals experience intense physical symptoms. These bodily sensations increase anxiety further. The person becomes overly focused on their body and may misinterpret normal, harmless sensations as signs of a serious medical condition (such as a heart attack or stroke). This misinterpretation increases anxiety, which in turn intensifies the panic symptoms.

As symptoms worsen, individuals may believe they are losing control, “going crazy,” or even dying, and they often seek emergency medical help. Many people with panic attacks go to emergency departments and are told that no physical illness is found. Despite repeated medical evaluations, no medical condition is detected.

It is important to remember that panic attacks alone do not constitute a disorder. For a diagnosis of panic disorder, attacks must be recurrent, the person must develop persistent worry about future attacks, engage in behaviors to prevent them, and these symptoms must persist for at least one month.

Types of Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is divided into two types:

Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Panic disorder without agoraphobia

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is known as the fear of open or public spaces. It involves anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or where help may not be available if panic symptoms occur.

These situations include:

Being alone outside or inside the home

Cinemas, theaters, concerts, etc.

Crowded places

Waiting in lines

Using public transportation

Individuals may avoid these situations, endure them with intense anxiety, or feel the need to be accompanied by someone they trust.

Conclusion

It should be remembered that panic disorder is one of the psychological conditions that responds very well to treatment. With psychotherapy, it is often possible to achieve significant improvement in a relatively short time.

If the symptoms described above have been ongoing for a long period, seeking professional help is strongly recommended.

References:

Davison, G. C. & Neale, J. M. (2004). Anormal Psikolojisi

Öztürk, M. O. & Uluşahin, A. (2014). Ruh Sağlığı ve Bozuklukları I