Panic attacks are relatively common. About one in five Americans will experience a panic attack in their lifetime, says Dr. Michael Bordieri, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Murray State University. It's the sudden onset of fear, similar to the fight or flight response, where our heartbeat starts racing, our palms feel sweaty, our breathing is faster, we may feel uneasy and tense, like we're losing control or having a heart attack. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Dr. Borideri on identifying panic attacks and panic disorder and how to receive treatment.
Why do panic attacks happen? Dr. Bordieri says it's like a false alarm in your nervous system, where the brain misinterprets something. They can sometimes happen out of nowhere and usually last between five and fifteen minutes. For psychologists there's not much to do other than wait until the feelings pass. They can recommend getting to a safe space (if you're driving, pull over) or reassurance (take deep breaths, it'll be okay). The peak of the attack only happens for a few minutes. Give guidance and help people ride through it.
Panic disorder affects between two and five percent of the population. This is the fear of having other panic attacks. He says the paradox is that the more you work not to have panic attacks and the more scared you are of having them can increase the likelihood of more panic attacks. In one form of treatment called interoceptive exposure, the goal is to try to break the cycle of panic by putting clients in a place or situation that addresses the cause of the panic.
For instance, if someone is afraid of their heart racing out of control, they might engage in jumping jacks or running up and down the stairs. If they panic about not being able to breathe, they might need to breathe through a coffee stirrer. By practicing the sensation, while uncomfortable and not pleasant, the individual learns that it's not necessarily scary. This treatment lasts between eight to twelve weeks and the success rate of not having panic attacks for up to six months is around 80%.
There are some genetic risks, but not a specific gene that contributes to the disorder, rather it's a polygenic contribution, where multiple genes contribute to form generalized risk or vulnerability in generating risk or panic disorder. There are also some differences in neurochemistry and brain structures. The GABA is our brain's inhibitory transmitter. High levels of GABA activity occurs when we slow down or relax. People having a panic disorder tend to have lower levels of GABA.
The first experience of a panic attack can be scary because it mimics the feeling of a heart attack, Dr. Bordieri says. Roughly 25% of individuals visiting an emergency room for chest pain are actually diagnosed as having a panic attack or panic disorder. However, he still recommends seeking emergency medical assistance for chest pain as it could be very serious or life threatening. Individuals can also use medications like benzodiazepine (Xanax) to help stop panic and fear. This is popular drug, he says, but adds that they are not good as long-term solutions. People who stop taking Xanax will rebound into panic attacks. They're best administered for small, isolated situations and long-term use can make it difficult to actually treat the underlying cause of panic attack and disorder.
Dr. Michael Bordieri is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Murray State University and a clinical supervisor at the MSU Psychological Center, which is staffed by graduate students in clinical psychology providing therapy and assessment services under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists. The center is open to all. Call for summer hours at 270-809-2504. -- Our next discussion with Dr. Bordieri will be August 11.
