What are the symptoms of Panic Disorder?
- Increased heart rate/palpitations
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Shaking or trembling
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Body aches
- Weakness
- Chillness
- Shortness of breath
- Derealization (feeling of unreality)
- Depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
- Stomach pain
How can Panic disorder be diagnosed?
More than one panic attack in a while does not indicate a panic disorder. According to DSM-5, the criteria for panic disorder is recurrent and unexpected panic attacks for at least a month, and there is the persistent fear of more attacks as well. It also mentions that at least four or more symptoms must be persistent. Medical professionals also look for any other physical health condition, any side effect of a substance, or any other mental disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or phobias. Psychologists or any other medical expert will look for any of the ones mentioned above during the individual's diagnosis.What Causes Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder has no exact cause behind it, but certain factors can be biological, psychological or environmental, that may lead into it, including:- Genetics- if there is someone in the family with a history of panic disorder, there is a possibility of someone else in the family having it.
- Trauma- Any traumatic event faced by the individual such as sexual abuse, death of a loved one, losing a job or divorce, etc.
