Causes of Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a condition involving feelings of anxiety, fear (such as fear of death), and distress that occurs in the form of sudden episodes. It can be seen alongside psychological problems or certain illnesses. During a sudden episode, the patient is completely overcome with fear. They think they are going to die, that there is a problem with their heart, that they are having a heart attack. The attack reaches its most severe point within 5-15 minutes. The patient, in a state of panic, seeks medical help. They think they are going to faint, that something terrible is going to happen. After about half an hour, the attack begins to subside. The person feels extremely tired and exhausted. They don't want to do anything or be alone; their tolerance is exhausted. They feel safe when someone is with them.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A PANIC ATTACK
It is an anxiety episode involving intense fear and unease that begins suddenly, reaches its peak within at most 5-15 minutes, and includes at least four of 13 physical and cognitive symptoms.
These 13 symptoms consist of the following:
- Palpitations, increased heart rate, feeling as though you can hear your own heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Choking or shortness of breath, feeling of not getting enough air
- A sensation of blockage or being unable to breathe
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea, abdominal pain, or discomfort
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, feeling as though you might fall
- A feeling of unreality, as if the surroundings are not real, or a sense of being detached from one's surroundings, or an unusual, altered perception of oneself
- Fear of losing control or of "going crazy"
- Fear of having a heart attack or dying at that moment
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or prickling sensations
- Chills, shivering, hot or cold flashes
WHY DO PANIC ATTACKS OCCUR? WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS?
They mostly occur without an apparent cause. It is thought that they arise from chemical substances in the brain or as a result of the loss of function in a lateral part of the brain. However, when a detailed history is taken from these patients, many findings suggestive of gut flora imbalance are identified. It can occur on its own or alongside various illnesses. Symptoms begin to appear in the patient. A stressful life triggers panic attacks.
Besides these, the following conditions can also cause panic attacks:
-Epilepsy, lung-heart diseases
-Vitamin deficiency, caffeinated beverages
-Thyroid gland problems, excessive adrenaline secretion
-Drop in blood sugar, anemia, brain tumors
-Side effects of medications
-Being in enclosed spaces, crowded places
-Depression, nervous disorders
-Use of stimulant substances and their sudden discontinuation
WHO EXPERIENCES PANIC ATTACKS? WHO IS AT RISK
Its prevalence in the population varies between 1-3%. It can occur at any age, generally in the twenties. Its prevalence is somewhat higher in women. Genetic factors also play a role. Its prevalence is higher in those who have close relatives with panic disorder.
Some people are hesitant to express themselves in society. It can be seen in those who constantly live under pressure, who are introverted, who do not share their problems with anyone, and who lead an asocial life. It is wrong for a person to suppress their own impulses. A person must be able to express their anger, sorrow, and sexuality. Suppressing these, or having them blocked by others, causes panic disorder.
Panic disorder can be seen in people who use addictive substances, who feel guilty, who dwell excessively on their problems, and who have a perfectionist personality.
ARE PANIC ATTACKS AND PANIC DISORDER THE SAME
A panic attack and panic disorder are not the same. Panic disorder involves being in a constant state of anxiety and fear, thinking that one will have a heart attack, die, that the attacks will recur, or that one will have a stroke. It does not arise as a result of another condition. This disorder can occur in two forms: with agoraphobia or without agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is the fear of being alone. It manifests as avoiding enclosed spaces and crowded places, and not wanting to stay home alone. The person is afraid to go outside alone and becomes asocial.
WHAT CAN THE PATIENT DO DURING AN ATTACK
During an attack, you should sit down or lie down somewhere. Tell yourself that this is just an attack, that there is nothing to be afraid of, and wait for the attack to pass. During an attack, avoid upsetting or agitating discussions. Stay away from caffeinated beverages, cigarettes, and alcohol use. Try to control yourself. Do not take deep breaths during an attack, as this increases the symptoms. Breathe in and out into a bag until the episode passes.
THE GUT IS THE SECOND BRAIN
The brain inside our skull is not the only organ that affects our behavior and mental balance. The enteric nervous system in the abdominal region, also called the "second brain," shares many similar characteristics with the brain in our head. It can function independently, and it can also affect our behavior by sending signals to the brain via the vagus nerve.
The enteric nervous system (ENS), known as our second brain, consists of approximately 500 million neurons embedded within the intestinal wall; it allows us to sense environmental dangers and determines the responses we will give.
Imagine coming home tired and exhausted in the evening after an intense workday, stuck in heavy traffic. In all likelihood, the first thing you'll do is open the fridge and snack on something appealing. Usually, this "something" is not foods like cucumber, carrot, or broccoli. When sweet, salty, and fatty foods are available, such "healthy" foods have almost no chance.
As you know, when we are under stress, our brain chooses foods classified as unhealthy. What we don't know is that it is not the brain inside our skull that makes these foods more appealing, but our second brain in our gut. Most of us don't know that we have a second brain.
Since gut flora affects the panic attacks, anxiety, and pain a person feels psychologically, there is a two-way connection between the gut and emotions. For this reason, in order for a person to be healthy, their gut must first be healthy.