Tag: panic disorder

  • CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)-INDUCED PANIC ATTACKS: A BREATH OF INSIGHT INTO PANIC DISORDER

    CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)-INDUCED PANIC ATTACKS: A BREATH OF INSIGHT INTO PANIC DISORDER

    ~ Carbon dioxide (CO2) studies reveal insights into panic disorder (PD). ~ Breathing in 5% or inhaling 35% CO2 can trigger panic attacks more often in PD individuals. ~ PD patients describe these CO2-induced panic attacks as similar to their regular ones. This suggests a link between PD and aberrant respiratory responses. ~ Cognitive factors…

  • A FEW FACTS ABOUT CAFFEINE

    A FEW FACTS ABOUT CAFFEINE

    A large number of consumed dietary sources contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cocoa beverages, chocolate drinks, and soft drinks. The caffeine content in each of these food items ranges from 2 to 7mg for150ml of cocoa to 40 to 180mg for 150ml of coffee, but the worldwide daily consumption is estimated between 70 to…

  • PATTERNS OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES  ACROSS ANXIETY DISORDES

    PATTERNS OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES ACROSS ANXIETY DISORDES

    Sleep and anxiety are intimately connected, so much so that sometimes we cannot tell which one comes first. In recent studies, findings indicate that in 43.5% cases of insomnia, anxiety symptoms preceded chronic insomnia. By contrast, the percentage of chronic insomnia and anxiety disorders occurring simultaneously was not too far behind at 38.6%, which implies…

  • HOW DOES SEPARATION ANXIETY SHED LIGHT ON PANIC DISORDER?

    HOW DOES SEPARATION ANXIETY SHED LIGHT ON PANIC DISORDER?

    THE OPIOIDERGIC SYSTEM AND PANIC There is compelling evidence suggesting a connection between panic disorder and deficits in endogenous opioids, which are naturally produced by the brain and contribute to our sense of well-being. Studies have indicated that the sensitivity to carbon dioxide (CO2) is modulated by the opioidergic system. Endogenous opioids appear to reduce…

  • IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGORAPHOBIA LINKED TO THE FIRST PANIC ATTACK?

    IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGORAPHOBIA LINKED TO THE FIRST PANIC ATTACK?

      Studies show that high avoiders are more likely to have had their first panic attack in what is called a classic agoraphobic situation. What is a classic agoraphobic situation? It is experiencing a panic attack while driving or in public transportation. In fact, having a first panic attack in public with a strong feeling of…

  • THE PANIC ATTACK QUESTIONNAIRE (PAQ)

    THE PANIC ATTACK QUESTIONNAIRE (PAQ)

    INTRODUCTION Below are sample questions taken from the PAQ, which is a questionnaire about panic attacks . The original questionnaire is 9-page long, so here you will find only an abbreviated version.It will help you assess the frequency and severity of your panic attacks. Take it once a month together while working on your recovery…

  • WHAT IS AN ANXIETY DISORDER?

    Anxiety becomes disordered when it has become a burden to you. It interrupts your normal rhythm, prevents you from functioning properly in society, is overwhelming, and makes you miserable. Psychology identifies six most common anxiety disorders according to the source of the anxiety:

  • IS ANXIETY AN EMOTION?

    Yes, anxiety is considered an emotion, even though it involves worrisome thoughts. It is characterized by feelings of tension, physical changes, and intrusive thoughts.

  • CAN PANIC DISORDER CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS?

    CAN PANIC DISORDER CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS?

    Panic disorder is often associated with chest pain that can either be of cardiac and noncardiac origin. As a result, rates of cardiovascular diseases are high in PD as is the risk of mortality.

  • HOW DOES ANXIETY AFFECT HEART HEALTH?

    HOW DOES ANXIETY AFFECT HEART HEALTH?

    Investigating the link between anxiety disorders and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Measures of blood pressure and heart rate variability help understand this association.