Panic Disorder

Panic disorder may have a genetic basis, with a family history of anxiety disorders increasing the risk.

Genetics affect stress sensitivity and brain responses, while imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA can disrupt the body’s stress response, making panic attacks more frequent and intense.

Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, increases vulnerability to panic disorder. Long-term stress from work, family, or finances can weaken coping abilities. Major life transitions, like breakups, bereavement, or moving, act as triggers, contributing to the development of panic disorder symptoms over time.

Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.

These episodes occur suddenly and aren’t tied to specific situations or triggers. While people with this condition may function in social or work settings, the unpredictability of the attacks can lead to ongoing worry and physical exhaustion.

However, unlike agoraphobia, there’s no consistent avoidance of places or situations.

In this type of panic disorder, panic attacks are coupled with a deep fear of being in situations where escape might be hard.

This fear leads people to avoid places like crowded malls, public transport, or even wide-open spaces. In severe cases, individuals may stop leaving their homes altogether.

Panic disorder with agoraphobia can severely restrict independence and daily life, requiring focused intervention and support.

GAD is marked by persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations.

Unlike panic disorder, the anxiety is more constant than episodic. Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances are common, and in some cases, panic-like symptoms may occur alongside the chronic worry.

This condition involves an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings.

People may dread public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in front of others. Panic symptoms like sweating or trembling can be triggered in these moments, though the focus is on social scrutiny.

PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event, such as violence or a serious accident.

Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and being constantly on edge. Panic-like episodes may happen when the person is reminded of the trauma, even in everyday situations.

These are intense fears linked to particular objects or scenarios, like flying, spiders, or heights.

The fear is immediate and overwhelming, often triggering panic responses when faced with the feared item or situation. Unlike panic disorder, the attacks are predictable and tied to a specific trigger.

Therapy plays a key role in managing panic disorder, offering structured techniques to reduce symptoms and improve emotional regulation.

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – Helps identify and challenge thought patterns that fuel panic attacks.

• Exposure Therapy and Desensitisation – Gradually introduces feared situations to reduce avoidance behaviours.

• ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) – Encourages accepting panic disorder symptoms without judgment while committing to valued actions.

• PFPP (Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy) – Explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences linked to panic episodes.

Medications can reduce panic disorder symptoms by regulating brain chemistry and easing both physical and emotional distress.

• SSRIs and SNRIs – Common first-line antidepressants that help balance brain chemicals involved in anxiety.

• Benzodiazepines – Fast-acting anti-anxiety medication used short-term due to the risk of dependence. ‍

• Beta-blockers – Help manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat during panic attacks.