Anxiety is an emotional state that is a natural part of life. Meeting someone you're in love with causes anxiety, as does going to a job interview. Before a test, for example, this state of mind can be productive, keeping the student alert and prepared for the challenge.

However, when anxiety begins to negatively affect daily life, it becomes a problem. If someone can no longer follow their routine—whether at work, school, or in social life—they may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Panic disorder is one of these conditions.

“Many people may have panic disorder and not know it because they don’t recognize the symptoms,” warns Ana Luiza Lourenço Simões Camargo, psychiatrist at Einstein.

Women vs. Men

The disorder primarily develops in young adults, around the age of 25; however, people of any age can experience the condition. Women are the most affected, receiving being diagnosed two to three times more often diagnoses of panic disorder than men. According to Dr. Ana Luiza, there is still no scientific confirmation linking the higher incidence specifically to women.

“Some cases in men may be underdiagnosed because they are less likely to seek help,” explains the psychiatrist.

A study by the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) in the United States shows that 71% of people with panic disorder are women, while only 29% are men.

Symptoms

Panic disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of panic attacks. The intense and frightening sensations brought on by these episodes often lead individuals to change their routines out of fear that the attacks might happen again. “In practice, this means that someone who had a panic attack while driving may stop driving; if the attack occurred on the subway, they may avoid using that form of transportation,” explains the psychiatrist.

These episodes can prevent a person from living a normal life. In some cases, individuals may stop leaving the house or refuse to go out alone. The logic is this: they begin to live in constant anticipation of new attacks and seek to be in situations where help is readily available.

“People with panic disorder have a persistent fear of having new attacks,” says Dr. Ana Luiza. During an attack, which peaks within 10 minutes, at least four of the following symptoms typically occur:

palpitations
rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
excessive sweating
trembling
nausea
dizziness
shortness of breath
fear of losing control
fear of dying

Causes

Where does it stem from?

There is no specific cause for panic disorder. Only a few hypotheses exist. One involves genetic factors, as 35% of first-degree relatives of patients with panic disorder also develop the condition.

Another hypothesis suggests that individuals with panic disorder may have a neurological dysfunction in the brain’s alert system. “When we face a situation that causes fear, our brain activates the alert system. Those with the disorder may have a malfunction in this system, triggering a panic attack without any clear cause,” explains the psychiatrist.

Treatment

Treatment for panic disorder involves addressing both the condition itself and any associated issues, such as depression. The most commonly used medications are antidepressants and anxiolytics, combined with psychotherapy. This combination usually yields good results.

“In treatment, we try to show the patient that, no matter how uncomfortable the attacks may feel, they are not going to die from them,” says Dr. Ana Luiza. Over time, the symptoms may disappear completely or become manageable and less intense. “This will depend on each individual patient,” she concludes.

Atenção: este conteúdo tem caráter informativo e não substitui a avaliação de um profissional de saúde. Se você estiver enfrentando sintomas de ansiedade, depressão, burnout ou qualquer outro sofrimento emocional, procure orientação médica ou psicológica. Você pode entrar em contato com o Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV) pelo número 188 – o atendimento é gratuito e funciona 24 horas por dia.

Caso esteja na cidade de São Paulo, você pode procurar apoio em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS). Para conhecer as unidades do CAPS que o Einstein faz gestão, acesse: Unidades

Cuidar da saúde mental é fundamental – você não está sozinho.

By the Einstein Editorial Board