bipolar inherited
A panic attack is a short and intense period of anxiety which normally occurs without much warning. Symptoms are both psychological and physiological, and are mostly related to the raised levels of adrenaline and other hormones secreted when the body is experiencing a ‘fight or flight’ response. While panic attacks may occur in certain situation, it is typical for them to happen without a clear trigger.
There are a wide range of symptoms and these can vary between sufferers, and from one attack to the next. Commonly reported symptoms are palpitations, a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pains, feeling dizzy or faint, trembling and derealisation. It is normal for panic attack sufferers to seek emergency medical treatment the first time it happens, and sometimes in subsequent attacks, because the symptoms are so intense they can trigger fears of a heart attack. Feeling like you are dying or having a nervous breakdown are common emotions.
People of any age, of either sex, and of any background can have a panic attack. But the most at risk group are females in their twenties. It is estimated that one in ten people in the UK and America will have at least one panic attack in their lives, but as not everyone will visit their doctor about it there is no way of calculating an exact percentage. Once you have had an attack you are at increased risk of developing a panic disorder. A panic disorder is defined as someone who has had multiple attacks or someone who has had one panic attack, but it was followed by a prolonged period of anxiety about having more attacks.
A period of intense stress or traumatic event can cause the first attack, although it might happen days or weeks later. But often what causes panic attacks is not so clear cut, and it is not possible to identify a trigger. Sufferers may have inherited a predisposition to mental health disorders (for instance, if they had a parent with anxiety problems), or start having attacks as a result of underlying medical disorders or a reaction to medication, (for example Ritalin). Even your personality type can predispose you to a panic disorder. Introverts are more likely to develop panic disorders, as are perfectionists and high achievers.
There is no way of completely curing a panic disorder. But there are several approaches to treatment that can help sufferers overcome their symptoms and lead a normal life
Leanne is a contributing writer to several websites. Recent articles include advice on buying moses basket bedding and how to swaddle.
