Panic syndrome: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Panic syndrome is characterized by sudden and frequent attacks of extreme fear and dread, which cause symptoms that can last between 10 and 30 minutes, such as cold sweat, increased heart rate, tremors, shortness of breath, paleness and fainting, in some cases.

Panic disorder attacks prevent people from leading a normal life, as they are afraid that the attacks will return and, therefore, avoid dangerous situations. For example, if the crisis occurred in an elevator, it is common for the person to no longer want to use the elevator at work or at home.

It is important that the person who has panic attacks is monitored by a psychologist and psychiatrist so that appropriate medication can be started to alleviate symptoms, as well as therapy to help prevent new attacks.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of panic syndrome are:

• Increased heart rate;
• Shortness of breathe;
• More labored breathing;
• Chest tightness;
• Tremors;
• Cold sweat;
• Dizziness;
• Pallor;
• Fainting.

It is important to remember that some symptoms can take hours to disappear, and that patients with this syndrome feel a sense of loss of control over themselves during the attack, living with an intense fear of having new attacks. Furthermore, they also tend to avoid going to places where they have had a panic attack in the past. Learn how to identify a panic attack.

Symptom Test

To find out the risk of having had or are having a panic attack, select the symptoms presented in the test below:

The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Causes of panic attacks

The causes of panic syndrome are not yet fully understood, however they arise due to brain changes that cause an increase in adrenaline levels, regardless of the situation the person is in, which results in the symptoms of the crisis.

Some genetic and environmental factors may be related to this change, such as extreme stress, family problems, traumatic childhood experiences, medication or drug abuse and fights, for example.

Furthermore, some women during pregnancy may have a panic attack, which may be related to hormonal changes and concerns about the baby. It is important that panic syndrome during pregnancy is properly treated with psychotherapy, as it is possible to prevent complications during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight and reduced fetal movements, for example.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of panic syndrome must be made by a psychologist and psychiatrist according to the person’s symptoms, and an assessment of the person’s personal history is also carried out, as well as an analysis of the moment in which the crisis occurs and its duration.

Treatment for panic syndrome

Treatment for panic syndrome is normally done with the use of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications, with the aim of promoting symptom relief, and should be used in accordance with the psychiatrist’s guidance. The duration of treatment with medication varies from person to person, as it depends on the intensity of the symptoms and the frequency with which they occur.

Furthermore, it is also necessary to undergo psychotherapy so that the patient learns different ways on how to think and react in dangerous situations, helping to reduce anxiety and fear, preventing a new panic attack.

It is important to remember that the cure for this disease depends on its severity and the patient’s dedication to the treatment, and there are people who are able to completely cure themselves or control the symptoms of the disease more easily. See how to treat panic syndrome naturally.