facts about panic disorder

Panic attack consists of a few seconds to a few minutes of intense fear and terror, occurring out of the blue. Typical is the fear of having a heart attack or going crazy. General symptoms including a pounding or racing heart, light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, chest pains, breathlessness, smothering and a tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Hot flushes and chills, as well as a fear of losing control. These are all common indications of a panic attack.

Panic disorder is a medical condition where repeated panic attacks are experienced. It is frequently misdiagnosed as thyroid problems, hypoglycemia or heart valve problems. In order to avoid such a misdiagnosis the following facts about panic disorder should be known:

The facts and stats

• 2 to 4 in every 100 persons will suffer from panic disorder during some stage of their life.
• It affects people of all races and classes.
• Recent research has shown that there is a genetic or hereditary component which predisposes people to panic.
• It is most common for panic disorder to affect people between 20-40 years of age, but it can also affect the young and the elderly.
• Panic disorder is a highly treatable condition. With the right kind of therapy many recover fully or experience significant recovery.
• Treatment usually includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy and self-help.
• Caffeine, cold and flu medications, certain anti-malarial drugs, appetite suppressants and local anesthetics may trigger panic attacks.
• Up to 30% of sufferers misuse or abuse alcohol, as many as 17% abuse drugs.
• Up to 20% attempt to commit suicide.
• Between 50-75% of people with panic disorder will avoid certain places and this can lead to tremendous social impairment.

For more information about panic disorder, contact the Mental Health Information Centre at Tel. 021 938 9229 or the South African Anxiety and Depression Support Group at Tel 011 783 1474.