Mr. X, a 40 year old businessman was rushed to the emergency with chest pain, breathlessness and severe palpitations at 11 pm in the night. He was sitting comfortably at his home after returning from work when he suddenly experienced intense anxiety and palpitations. The feeling was intense and came out of nowhere. Mr. X felt as if he was having a heart attack and would not survive. His family members took notice and brought him to the hospital. At the hospital an extensive battery of blood and various other tests including ECG and echocardiography were performed.
Surprisingly all tests turned out to be normal! The cardiologist suggested that Mr. X seek an appointment with a psychiatrist. Mr. X and his family were baffled! A consultation with psychiatrist? For what?
Well not so surprising for a psychiatrist, IT WAS A PANIC ATTACK!
What exactly is a panic attack? Why does it happen? How can it be treated? Well that is what we have on the agenda today!
A panic attack is a brief period of intense anxiety, usually arising out of the blue, suddenly, with a sense of impending doom, dying, losing control or 'going mad'. The intense anxiety typically lasts for a few minutes only, although mild anxiety may persist. It is associated with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating and sometimes brief periods of unresponsiveness (not unconsciousness). Patients are typically terrified and are rushed to the hospital. After one episode, persons may fear the occurrence of another episode, so-called anticipatory anxiety.
Panic attacks may occur repeatedly or just once; they may occur in any situation or specific situations only; they may occur in situations with no objective danger, in situations with perceived danger (as in phobias) or in situations having actual danger. When they occur repeatedly in situations with no objective danger, it is termed as panic disorder.
Panic attacks may occur repeatedly or just once; they may occur in any situation or specific situations only; they may occur in situations with no objective danger, in situations with perceived danger (as in phobias) or in situations having actual danger. When they occur repeatedly in situations with no objective danger, it is termed as panic disorder.
Panic disorder may or may not be associated with other phobias such as agoraphobia, wherein the person fears crowded places, travelling alone and situations from which 'escape may be difficult.'
So why does this happen?
Well it is an example of body's alarm system gone wrong! Like a damaged fire alarm that goes off without fire or smoke, scaring people in the premises, sometimes the human body's physiological mechanisms go haywire, producing a panic attack!
So is it treatable?
Interestingly, as terrifying as the symptoms may seem, response to treatment is often rapid and dramatic. The disorder is rather easily controlled by medications although psychotherapy can also be used.
Hmmm, a rather abrupt end to a rushed emergency admission!
So, that was about panic attacks and anxiety, folks!
Please let me know if there is any specific issue that you want me to address. Write in at stayhappy.prakash@gmail.com
So until next time, STAY HAPPY!
Dr. Sathya Prakash, MD, Dip. CBT
Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Behavioural Sciences Expert
lybrate.com/dr.sathyaprakash
lybrate.com/dr.sathyaprakash
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