Panic disorder, with its related psychological problems, has become a threat to many people. Since the world has experienced bad periods, wars, and horrific scenes. In addition to the state of insecurity, especially lately. All of that has planted fear in the hearts of many around the world.
But, when this fear develops, becomes more intense and a part of people’s lives and each detail in their lives. It generates a constant feeling of threat and unease which negatively affects all life activities and later turns into panic attacks, disorders, or even phobias. Then the causes and solutions must be seriously sought. In order to eliminate these problems with minimal harm and to maintain good mental and physical health.
Panic disorder is defined as a sudden episode of intense fear. This fear triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. This disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. And in a few cases in childhood. Women are twice as likely to get panic attacks compared to men.
Panic attacks are very frightening. When they occur, people may think that they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. Everyone is likely to experience at least one panic attack throughout their lifetime due to a challenging situation or accident.
Panic attacks turn into a pathological disorder when these situations are repeated continuously and suddenly (4 or more panic attacks). And it forms a state of constant fear of experiencing. Such a feeling anytime, anywhere, and over a long period of time. This leads to living in a state of constant worrying and instability. And it can sometimes lead to isolation and not leaving the house, all of the above is called panic disorder. [1]
The main causes of panic disorder are still unknown by experts. But the following factors may play a key role: Genetic factors, and major stress. In addition to the hypersensitivity to hormones that provoke feelings of fear, negative thoughts, drug abuse, and alcohol addiction. It also includes any dysfunction or disorder with the work of sections of the brain or the nervous system. Which is the center of cognition and fear treatment.
Some research suggests that the body’s natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved in panic attacks. It is like the feeling of a ferocious tiger attacking a person in the jungle. In this case, the body would react in a life-threatening situation, and the heart rate and breathing would speed up. This is similar to the symptoms of a panic attack. But it happens without a rational cause, real danger, or threat.
Symptoms begin suddenly and unexpectedly. For example, while driving a car, reading a book, or even while sleeping. It reaches its peak within minutes to an hour or so. And ends up with the person feeling fatigued and exhausted in most cases.
Symptoms of panic disorder include a sense of impending doom or danger, fear of loss of control or death, accelerated heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, dizziness, numbness, and feeling of unreality or detachment. [1]
Many people around you may have panic disorder or are about to have it. Even if only in the form of a single attack. You might be like them. Its seriousness is no less than that of any disorder or disease, whether physical or mental. Excessive physical reactions can hinder the ability to function normally, and in some cases, it can lead to depression. Patients become very afraid of upcoming panic attacks. Which leads them to cut back on many of their normal activities and tasks.
The indifference of a panic disorder patient to his condition and its treatment may lead to severe consequences affecting all aspects of life. In addition to having complications that can turn the quality of his life for the worse. Such as having specific types of phobias. For example, fear of driving, strangers, or agoraphobia; this leads the patient to avoid stressful situations and places.
Due to the fear of not being able to escape or get help, the patient makes sure to always have someone with him so that he can at least leave the house. In addition to avoiding social situations, and problems at work, streets, and everywhere. It also causes alcohol and drug addiction, financial problems, suicidal thoughts, and melancholia. [2]
When experiencing a panic attack, one must be prepared to control it. The patient must not resist the attack. Rather, the patient should stay in his place if possible, and breathe deeply and slowly. And remember that the attack will pass and end. He must think positively and that this attack won’t lead to his death. But rather it is just a difficult time he is facing now.
The patient should do sports and physical activities, follow a healthy system, and reduce stimuli. That is the best treatment. Adequate behavior in such situations, in addition to learning coping skills and relaxation methods.This helps reduce the intensity and duration of panic attacks or even their disappearance. [2]
In some cases, the patient might need to see a doctor or specialist for help. For example, in case of insomnia and if the attack lasted for more than 15 minutes, accompanied by symptoms of a heart attack. Therefore, seeing a doctor is the right decision. In addition, asking questions and telling the specialist about the condition will definitely help in finding the best treatment. Basic treatment options include psychotherapy and medications which are preferred to be the unlikely option.
Psychotherapy or speech therapy is the first effective option for recovery. It helps to understand these attacks and learn how to control them as much as possible. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help teach the patients from their own experiences that there is nothing to fear. With continuous treatment, symptoms decrease and the causes of fear also decrease, and end within several months. After that, the patients can visit the doctor periodically to make sure that the attacks are under control.
Drug therapy should be the final option due to its side effects, the need for accuracy and caution, and the time it takes to work fully and effectively which is approximately 8 weeks, and it must be prescribed by a doctor and under certain conditions. Medications include antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which often have side effects. These medicines are not recommended in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding. [3]
The Uplifting Syrian Women initiative supports and encourages every person, no matter their condition, to overcome it. Mental disorders and illnesses are not different from physical ones, are not a cause of shame, and need treatment and the assistance of a doctor or specialist.
♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.
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References:
[1] Mayo Clinic
[2] Cleveland Clinic
[3] MOH