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Mind & Being Links
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort that comes on unexpectedly and recurrently. Its peak onset is from 15-19 years, with a prevalence 3.5%.
- causes and risk factors
- signs, symptoms, and diagnosis
- pathophysiology
- treatments
- consequences and course
- the patient
- health care team
- community involvement
- resources and references
Causes and Risk Factors
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
- tachycardia/palpitations
- tembling/shaking
- choking
- nausea
- sweating
- shortness of breath/hyperventilation
- chest pain/discomfort
- dizzy
- fear of losing control or going crazy
- paresthesias
- chills/hot flushes
- there is persistent worry that things could happen again
- recurrent unexpected panic attacks, including at least four of the above symptoms, which develop abruptly and peak within 10 minutes
- there needs to be changes in behaviour or persistent fear of future attacks or health implications
can be with or without agoraphobia
Pathophysiology
Treatments
mild PD can be treated with behavioural therapy
moderate PD can benefit from antidepressants (except bupriopion)
severe PD indicates additions of benzodiazepines (clonazepam, lorazepam)
- benzodiazepines can be used immediately during an episode or before a stressful situation
combination therapy alone may actually worsen long-term outcomes, compared with CBT (Foa et al, 2002)
Consequences and Course
The Patient
Health Care Team
Community Involvement
Resources and References