Let's learn everything about Anxiety and Panic Attacks.

Do you sometimes feel like you're just getting overwhelmed by the smallest things? Do you feel a lot of anxiety and fear about an upcoming exam, an interview, or maybe for no reason at all? Do you have times when your chest is pounding, you're sweating, and you feel like you're having trouble breathing? Many people call this an ' anxiety attack'. But in medicine, we talk about it a little differently. Let's find out more about it today.

"Anxiety Attack" and "Panic Attack" - What's the difference between the two?

Although we often use these two words interchangeably, there is a clear difference between the two.

Anxiety is a feeling of extreme worry about something, such as a problem at work or an exam, that is actually happening. But here, your fear or worry is much greater than the event itself. It means that it is a mental stress that goes beyond the normal fear of a person, is difficult to control, and lasts for days or weeks. During this time, you may not be able to sleep, have difficulty concentrating, and feel like you are always feeling unwell.

However, a panic attack is different. It is a sudden, intense feeling of fear or dread that comes on suddenly and unexpectedly. It usually goes away on its own within minutes or hours. There are specific symptoms that doctors use to diagnose this condition. To be diagnosed with a panic attack, you need to experience at least four of the following symptoms:

Are "Panic Attack" and "Panic Disorder" the same thing?

No. These two are not the same. Just because you have had a panic attack once in your life does not mean you have a condition called Panic Disorder.

Panic Disorder is an anxiety-related condition. To be diagnosed with it, you need to have the following:

• Recurrent panic attacks.
• Constant fear of having another panic attack.
• Avoiding places or situations where you think a panic attack might occur (for example, crowded places, riding a bus).

Simply put, a panic attack is a symptom. Panic Disorder is a life-threatening condition in which those symptoms recur repeatedly.

What are the reasons that lead to such situations?

Some physical conditions, as well as mental health conditions, can trigger the symptoms of a panic attack.

Physical conditions

• Thyroid problems
• Respiratory diseases such as asthma
• Heart disease (e.g., abnormal heart beat)
• Some neurological problems
• Use of certain stimulants or drugs

Mental health conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This is characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts for at least 6 months, along with at least three of the following symptoms:

• Constant restlessness
• Excessive fatigue, exhaustion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent anger, irritability
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Sleep problems

Phobic Disorders (excessive fear of various things)

This is when you have an extreme, unusual fear of animals like snakes and spiders, blood, or situations like heights or speaking in front of people. When faced with something like this, a panic attack can occur.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This occurs after experiencing a death or similar severe, traumatic event. For example, a serious accident, natural disaster, war, or violent assault. In this case, the event is frequently relived in dreams or thoughts.

• Avoiding places and people that remind you of the event
• Nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating, insomnia
• Startled by even the smallest thing
• Frequent anger
• Having negative thoughts about oneself, the future, and the world

Very important: Although symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness can be caused by anxiety, they can also be signs of a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack. Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. If necessary, do not hesitate to go to the Emergency Department (ETU).

When you are anxious, how do you control it?

If you have this condition, therapy can help reduce the frequency and severity of these attacks. However, if you have a sudden attack, you or a loved one can try these things to help calm themselves.

• Breathe deeply: When you are having a panic attack, your breathing becomes rapid. Try to breathe slowly and deeply. Count to 4 as you breathe in, hold for a second, and count to 6 as you breathe out. Doing this several times will help reduce your body's symptoms.
• Use the 3-3-3 rule: This is a simple way to bring yourself into the present.

1. Name 3 things you can see (e.g. table, window, pen).

2. Identify 3 sounds you hear (e.g. the sound of a fan, the sound of a vehicle, the sound of a bird).

3. Feel 3 things on your body that you touch (e.g. your hand, the clothes you are wearing, the chair).

• Understand what's happening: Tell yourself, "This is a panic attack, it's not going to kill me, it'll be over soon." Knowing what's happening is the only big relief.
• Distract yourself: Instead of focusing on your fear, think about something else. Listen to a song, pet a pet, or wash your face with cold water.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

If you suffer from this condition or have been diagnosed with it, don't hesitate to ask questions like these when you see your doctor.

• How did I get this condition? Can my children inherit this?
• Could my symptoms be caused by another physical illness?
• What treatment options do I have? Do I need to take medication?
• If I take medication, do I have to take it every day? How long do I have to take it?
• What are the possible side effects of medication? Are there ways to reduce them?
• What do I do if I miss a dose of medication?
• Do I need therapy? What kind and how long?
• How long will it take for me to feel better?
• Can these symptoms return after treatment?
• What changes do I need to make in my lifestyle to feel better?
• How do alcohol or other drugs interact with my medication or my medical condition?