Panic attacks are intense and sudden experiences of overwhelming fear and physical distress. They affect millions of people in the United States alone, often disrupting daily life and well-being. Accurately diagnosing panic attacks is essential to ensure the right treatment and support.
What Are the Common Signs of a Panic Attack?
During a panic attack, people often experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and dizziness. These symptoms can be so severe that some individuals believe they are having a heart attack.
In addition to these physical sensations, psychological symptoms like intense fear, a sense of detachment from reality (derealization), and a fear of losing control or even dying are also common. For a detailed list of panic attack symptoms, you can click here to learn more.
How Is a Panic Attack Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis typically begins with a conversation with a healthcare provider or mental health professional. In this initial assessment, they will discuss your symptoms, frequency, intensity, and potential triggers. A physical examination is often conducted to rule out other health conditions that might present symptoms similar to panic attacks.
How Can I Tell if I Had a Panic Attack?
Experiencing a panic attack can be overwhelming and confusing. A quick self-assessment may help you identify if your symptoms align with those of a panic attack.
Self-Test: Did I Have a Panic Attack?
1. Did you suddenly experience an intense feeling of fear or discomfort that peaked within minutes?
- Yes
- No
2. Did you experience one or more of the following physical symptoms?
- Racing heart or strong palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or feeling like you couldn’t get enough air
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Hot flashes or chills
3. Did you feel like you were losing control or going crazy?
- Yes
- No
4. Did you feel like your surroundings or things around you were unreal (derealization) or that you were detached from yourself (depersonalization)?
- Yes
- No
5. Did you fear that you might die?
- Yes
- No
6. Did this event occur without any identifiable trigger or reason?
- Yes
- No
7. Have you experienced similar episodes in the past?
- Yes
- No
Evaluation:
Mostly “yes”: It is highly likely that you experienced a panic attack. It would be advisable to talk to a doctor or therapist to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.
Mostly “no”: It seems that your symptoms are not typical of a panic attack. However, it would still be wise to discuss your health concerns with a professional to rule out other causes.
Can a Panic Attack Be Detected?
A panic attack cannot be directly detected, but specific questionnaires, such as the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), help assess the severity and specific symptoms of panic disorder. Developed in 1997, the PDSS consists of seven main questions covering various aspects of panic disorder.
Questions of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS):
Frequency of Panic Attacks: Assesses how often you experience panic attacks, whether they are sporadic or frequent, and their occurrence in the past week.
Severity of Panic Attacks: Rates the intensity of the panic attacks and their impact on daily life.
Worry About Future Panic Attacks: Evaluates how much anxiety or concern you have about future panic attacks, which can cause additional stress.
Concern About Physical Symptoms of Panic Attacks: Measures worry regarding symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness, which can intensify anxiety.
Avoidance of Situations or Activities: Assesses if you avoid situations or activities for fear they might trigger a panic attack, which can lead to significant life limitations.
Impact on Work or Social Life: Examines how much your panic disorder affects professional and social life. Are you able to work or maintain social connections?
General Well-being and Functioning: Evaluates the impact of panic disorder on your overall well-being and daily functioning.
Significance of the Questions
Each question is rated on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (very severe symptoms). The total score provides insight into the severity of the panic disorder:
0-4 points: Minimal or no panic symptoms
5-9 points: Mild panic disorder
10-14 points: Moderate panic disorder
15-19 points: Severe panic disorder
20-28 points: Very severe panic disorder
How Does a Doctor Diagnose a Panic Attack?
To diagnose a panic attack, doctors begin with a thorough medical history, asking about symptoms, their frequency and intensity, and any potential triggers. This is followed by a physical examination to rule out other health causes. Tests such as an ECG or blood tests are important to exclude conditions like heart problems or thyroid disorders that can present similar symptoms. In addition, psychological tests and questionnaires, such as the PDSS, are often used to assess the severity of the panic attacks. This comprehensive diagnostic process helps establish the correct diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan.
Can Panic Attacks Be Seen on an ECG?
Sometimes heart problems cause symptoms similar to panic attacks, so a cardiologist can clarify through appropriate tests.
No Specific Detection: Panic attacks themselves don’t leave specific traces on an ECG. An ECG cannot diagnose a panic attack but helps rule out other conditions.
Normal Heart Rhythm: In most cases, an ECG shows a normal heart rhythm during a panic attack, even if the heart beats faster (tachycardia)—a common response to anxiety.
Ruling Out Other Conditions: An ECG can help rule out heart issues, like heart attacks or arrhythmias, that might cause similar symptoms. If no abnormalities are found, this can be reassuring and help focus on a psychological cause. Some patients may feel disappointed when the ECG reveals no findings, but psychological causes are often easier to address than heart problems.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If panic attacks occur regularly and interfere with daily life, it is advisable to see a doctor. For intense attacks that last more than a few minutes and cause extreme physical symptoms, medical help should be sought quickly.
Conclusion
Panic attacks are frightening, but with the right diagnosis and modern treatment approaches, those affected can learn to cope and fully enjoy life again.
Troy A.
Tampa, Florida