Hyperventilation lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which may make a person feel lightheaded. In rare instances, the individual may faint. It is important to note that panic can actually mobilize resources and make people hyperalert. In a technique called exposure therapy, a therapist will recommend that a person keep going as usual, to help them learn that panic goes away on its own and bad things do not happen.
An older study from suggested panic attacks may worsen heart problems in people with coronary heart disease CHD. This disease has characteristic narrow or blocked arteries that supply the heart muscle. The above study included 65 people with CHD. Of these, 35 had panic disorder PD , while 30 did not.
PD is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences regular panic attacks. Each participant then received a heart scan. Those who had PD were more likely to experience a panic attack than those who did not. Among all participants who experienced a panic attack, those with PD were more likely to develop a temporary myocardial perfusion defect, where certain areas of the heart receive reduced blood flow.
This does not mean that a panic attack is potentially fatal for a person with CHD. However, the study authors concluded that panic attacks in people with CHD negatively impact the heart. Simply knowing that the symptoms are due to a panic attack and not something else can drain some of the intensity from the attack.
Some potential symptoms to be aware of include:. Learn more about dealing with panic attacks. PD is treatable — the right treatment may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and prevent future episodes. Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy for PD can be highly effective. Other effective treatment options include:.
A study investigated the risk of heart attacks , CHD, and cardiovascular death among people with panic attacks or PD. The study identified the following correlations:. The research did not find that panic attacks cause heart attacks and heart disease.
It also did not prove that panic attacks protect a person from cardiovascular-related death — the study only established a correlation between these factors. A panic attack will not directly trigger a heart attack. However, a review linked chronic anxiety and stress to an increased risk of the following cardiovascular issues:.
Chronic anxiety may trigger physiological changes in the body, which could lead to the following:. They may avoid leaving their home for days, months or even years. Generally, busy public places such as supermarkets, shopping centres, trams, trains, planes and airports are feared the most.
However, any public place — even a quiet church or an empty park — may seem threatening to a person suffering from agoraphobia. Typically, agoraphobia often starts off as a mild anxiety about a particular event, place or situation that escalates over time into a generalised fear of being in public. Mental health experts believe that the root of agoraphobia is fear of the physical and mental sensations of anxiety and, often, of panic or of losing control or embarrassing oneself.
Agoraphobia usually begins with a stressful event — for example, a person loses a job or a relationship ends. In other cases, a stressful life event triggers a panic attack.
Since panic attacks are so unpleasant, the person may avoid any situation or place that they think might trigger another attack until many situations and places are eventually feared and avoided.
However, the doctor may run a series of medical tests to make sure the symptoms are not caused by an underlying physical illness. The doctor may suggest referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. Agoraphobia responds well to treatment. The treatment options suggested by your doctor or therapist will depend on your circumstances and preferences, but may include:.
The key to conquering agoraphobia is learning to control anxiety symptoms and progressively going into the situations that you fear.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings. Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people. Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one in ten with persistent, excessive worrying that can hinder their ability to function.
They may worry constantly about things that do not warrant it or that may never happen. In this video clip, participants discuss the various forms of treatment and support they have received from medical professionals as well as from other sources. Some of the strategies for managing anxiety are explored, including techniques such as physical activity, breathing exercises, and sticking to a routine.
With appropriate treatment, it is possible to overcome claustrophobia or any other phobia. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Agoraphobia ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Anxiety disorders. Arlington, Va. Accessed Dec. Anxiety disorders. Natural Medicines. Ravindran AV, et al. Complementary and alternative therapies as add-on to pharmacotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders. Craske MG, et al. The Lancet. Olthuis JV, et al.
Therapist-supported internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. National Institute of Mental Health.
0コメント