Panic attacks are a cyclical problem that cause bouts of intense fear, followed by worry about when the next attack will strike. Most people with panic disorder don't think about the reason they're dealing with recurrent attacks – but there's a reason behind the disorder.
At Carolina Wellness Psychiatry, our team offers psychotherapy and medication management for mental health problems like panic disorder. Our team of three specialists helps you understand the science behind panic disorder to help you control the next attack.
A panic attack is a mental health issue that causes a sudden attack of intense fear and worry. There are often both psychological and physical symptoms during a panic disorder. Mentally, you're terrified of when the next attack will happen.
Physical symptoms of a panic attack vary and don't often match the situation. For example, you may panic over something that someone else thinks isn't a big deal. The most prevalent symptoms of a panic attack include:
People with panic disorder are most likely to experience recurrent panic attacks. However, they also occur with other mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.
Panic attacks differ from anxiety attacks because, instead of a stressor bringing them on, they happen suddenly and without provocation.
During a panic attack, numerous changes occur in both your brain and body. The brain's fear center becomes activated, triggering an exaggerated fight-or-flight response. Other things that occur within the brain during an attack include:
The amygdala is the fear center of the brain. During a panic attack, it activates, releasing stress hormones that cause physical symptoms.
The amygdala releases specific stress hormones in response to the panic attack. The two main stress hormones are norepinephrine and epinephrine, which further intensify the physical symptoms of an attack.
The sympathetic nervous system is the root of the fight-or-flight response, which activates during a panic attack. It causes physical symptoms, such as an increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing.
An overload of electrical activity in various brain regions can lead to an imbalance, which may cause panic attacks.
Although the amygdala is the primary area of the brain involved during a panic attack, other brain areas also play a role in the symptoms. The hypothalamus, insula, and the parabrachial nucleus all contribute to the stress response and corresponding symptoms.
Handling a panic attack when it comes is tricky, but possible with psychotherapy techniques and medications. We offer various tips that help you calm your brain during a panic attack, and they include:
Grounding techniques are a vital aspect of controlling panic attacks. We recommend employing deep breathing strategies, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness techniques, such as meditation.
These may take time and practice, but they’re highly effective in alleviating panic attack symptoms.
Focusing on something other than the panic and your symptoms helps break the cycle of the attack. Try focusing on an object around you and take in everything about it to refocus the brain.
You can also engage your other senses, taking note of the smells and sights around you. Another way to break the cycle is by engaging in simple tasks, such as reciting the alphabet or counting to a specific number.
It's also good to remind yourself during an attack that it will pass. Try using positive thoughts and language with yourself to tell your brain that it's only temporary. In addition, you should avoid alcohol and caffeine during a panic attack, as they exacerbate symptoms.
Call Carolina Wellness Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment for panic disorder, or use our online booking feature to request a consultation with our team.
