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The mechanisms of anxiety attack are not very well known, but they interact in many biological genetic psychological factors, and cardio-respiratory.According to some theories, it would be inappropriate or excessive response to stress.
Thus, different situations of fear and anxiety (including that of not being able to breathe) can trigger hyperventilation, which can itself cause some symptoms, especially dizziness, numbness of limbs, tremors and palpitations1 .In turn, these symptoms worsen fear and anxiety. It is therefore a vicious circle that is self-sustaining.Finally, research has shown that the administration of certain substances (sodium lactate, nitrogen dioxide, ...) acting on the regulation of certain neurotransmitters trigger panic attacks.In the psychoanalytic approach, anxiety neurosis with panic disorder is part, has its origin in an accumulation of sexual arousal. The sexual drive would become a nervous tension.Related disordersIn the context of panic disorder, it is mainly found in psychopathological disorders. However, it is unclear whether it is the onset of panic disorder that will cause these disorders or if the presence of these disorders will lead the person to develop a panic disorder.According to some studies, the main psychological disorders associated with panic disorder are:
- depression
- social phobia (anxiety induced by social situations)
- a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (anxiety induced by trauma)
PrevalenceIt is estimated that 21 100 people live one day or another during their lives, experience a panic attack while only 1 in 100 people will develop panic disorder. Finally, panic attacks occur most often in young people (between 15 and 45 years) and are more common in women than in men.Evolution and complicationsAnxiety and panic attacks are not serious as such, but they can be impressive, even traumatic for the individual and his entourage.Some people will develop what is called anticipatory anxiety that is between two attacks panic attack, they live in fear of experiencing a panic attack again. This fear of the panic attack reappear anywhere, anytime can cause a significant drop in the quality of life of the person.Some psychiatric disorders (agoraphobia, depression) may occur secondary to repeated panic attacks. The fear of being invaded by a new attack in a public place without the possibility of being rescued can induce new fears such as fear of going out, being in the presence of strangers or participate in various social or professional activities.Finally, in some people, seizure frequency is very high (several per day), this is called panic disorder. The risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, passing through the act of suicide, abuse of drugs or alcohol is increased with panic attacks fréquentes2.However, with proper care, it is possible to control the anxiety and reduce the frequency of seizures.
