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Panic attacks: symptoms and treatment

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There are precise diagnostic criteria by which one can be sure whether the sensations experienced are panic attacks, as well as determine the severity of the attacks:

  1. One or more episodes of intense fear or discomfort have occurred:
  • appears unexpectedly, before or during an alarming situation;

There are precise diagnostic criteria that can be used to determine whether the sensations experienced are panic attacks, and also to determine the severity of the attacks:

  1. One or more episodes of intense fear or discomfort have occurred:
  • appears unexpectedly, before or during an alarming situation;
  • occurs only when no one is around.
Four of the above-described attacks occurred within a month, or there was one attack, after which a persistent fear arose that it could happen again. During an attack, at least 4 of the following symptoms occur:
  • difficulty breathing, sensations are smoothed out;
  • dizzy, tired, sensations change;
  • tachycardia (heartbeat is rapid or painful);
  • suffocation;
  • sweating;
  • trembling;
  • stomach discomfort or nausea;
  • everything that happens seems unreal;
  • face turns red, skin is covered with goosebumps;
  • feeling of numbness or tingling like pins and needles;
  • fear of death;
  • fear of going crazy or committing a reckless act actions.
In some cases, during an attack, at least 4 of the above symptoms are observed, and they develop intensively and increase within 10 minutes from its onset. There are no organic prerequisites for the development of such symptoms. For example, drug use, caffeine intoxication, hyperthyroidism.

Determining the severity of panic disorder

Mild: in the last month, all attacks had fewer than four symptoms, or only one attack occurred.

Moderate: during the month, attacks were accompanied by slightly more than four symptoms, or the intensity fluctuated between "moderate" and "severe".

Severe: at least 8 attacks in the last month.

If you have determined that you have panic disorder, or it turns out that your condition is not panic disorder, but causes discomfort, it is recommended to visit a specialist. Moreover, you shouldn't be afraid of medications and side effects.

You can do without medications if you consult a psychologist.

During psychotherapy, on average, within 3-6 months it is possible to significantly improve the condition, and perhaps even get rid of the disturbing symptoms.

24 Jan 2025, 19:03
Medical Blog

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