What Do You Do When You Have a Panic Attack

TL;DR

Panic attacks are predominantly physiological and can be triggered by a misactivation of the suffocation reflex and amygdala hyperactivity. Panic disorder involves both panic attacks and the fear of future attacks, often leading to behavioral adaptations that limit daily functioning.

Transcript

what really impairs our function is not the original issue it's the way that we adapt to the issue we're going to talk a little bit about panic attacks so uh if you all have seen dr k's guide to anxiety you know that we have a video on panic attacks but generally speaking we talk a lot more about anxiety than panic attacks so what i'd love to do to... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Panic attacks are primarily physiological, accompanied by symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.
• 👊 Panic disorder includes panic attacks as a symptom, along with the fear of future attacks, often leading to behavioral adaptations and even agoraphobia.
• 👊 Panic attacks can be triggered by a misactivation of the suffocation reflex and amygdala hyperactivity.
• 😷 Medical evaluation is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may mimic panic attacks.
• 👊 Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder can involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and potential breathing techniques.
• 🆘 Breathing techniques, such as Bellows Breath or Breath of Fire, may help induce relaxation, but their effectiveness varies among individuals.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

The term "anxiety attack" is not a medical term, while panic attack is. However, they are often used interchangeably in colloquial language. Panic attacks involve predominantly physiological symptoms, while anxiety attacks may encompass both physical and psychological symptoms.

Q: Can panic attacks make you feel like you're having a heart attack?

Yes, panic attacks can cause symptoms such as chest pain and a racing heart, which may mimic a heart attack. It is crucial to seek medical evaluation to rule out any underlying cardiac issues.

Q: How can breathing techniques help during panic attacks?

While research on the effectiveness of breath training for panic attacks is mixed, some individuals find techniques like Bellows Breath or Breath of Fire helpful. These techniques involve hyperventilation followed by slowing down the respiratory rate, which can induce relaxation.

Q: What should I do if I have agoraphobia due to panic attacks?

Seeking therapy is essential in overcoming agoraphobia and its associated fear of leaving the house. A therapist can help you confront and manage your anxiety, adapt your behavior, and gradually reintroduce yourself to feared situations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Panic attacks are primarily characterized by physiological symptoms such as elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea, and muscle tension, resulting in a sense of impending doom.

• Panic disorder is a diagnosis that includes panic attacks as a symptom and is often accompanied by a persistent fear of future attacks, leading to behavioral adaptations and potential agoraphobia.

• Panic attacks and panic disorder have both physiological and psychological components, with treatments including medication, psychotherapy, and possible breathing techniques.