Panic attacks

Clinic

• According to TLT, panic attacks is an entity, which is characterized by Sudden periods of intense fear
• Typically, symptoms reach a peak within ten minutes of onset, and last for roughly 30 minutes, but the duration can vary from seconds to hours.
• Although they can be extremely frightening and distressing, panic attacks themselves are not physically dangerous.
• Dysregulation of the norepinephrine system in Locus coeruleus, an area of the brain stem, has been linked to panic attacks.

Causes

Dynamic	Static
OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)	POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) Hypoglycemia Hyperthyroidism Wilson's disease Mitral valve prolapse Pheochromocytoma Labyrinthitis Hyperventilation syndrome Psychological stressors Substance use disorder

Sign / Symptoms

Sympathetic Overactivation	Hyperventilation	Others
Palpitation / Tachycardia. Sweating Chest Pain / Discomfort Trembling Hot flashes, Cold flashes, Burning sensations (particularly in the facial or neck area) Nausea Hypertension. Tachypnea. Depersonalization/ Derealization	Shortness of breath Dizziness Numbness / Paresthesias / Tingling Confusion Sensations of choking or smothering, difficulty moving, Light-headedness, Heavy-headedness	Fear of dying or heart attack Flashing vision or other visual disturbances Loss of body control Tunnel vision Strong urge to escape

Related disease

• Panic disorder

• Agoraphobia

• Social anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Depression, and medical problems. They can either be triggered or occur unexpectedly. Smoking, caffeine, and psychological stress increase the risk of having a panic attack. Before diagnosis, conditions that produce similar symptoms should be ruled out, such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, heart disease, lung disease, drug use, and dysautonomia.

Panic attack vs Anxiety

• Panic attacks are distinguished from other forms of anxiety by their intensity and their sudden, episodic nature.
• They are often experienced in conjunction with anxiety disorders and other psychological conditions
• Panic attacks are not generally indicative of a mental disorder.