Women and Panic Attacks
By Eric Metcalf | Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH 277sharesWomen are twice as likely as men to have a panic attack, but the reasons are unclear. However, there could be a connection between having panic attacks and major life changes, such as getting married or having a child.Panic and Women: The Research
There are other connections as well. More women get migraines than men; in fact, three out of four people who get migraines are women. One study that looked at women who have panic attacks showed that most of them suffered from headaches, and that their panic attacks were more frequent and longer-lasting.Another study showed that panic attacks are common among postmenopausal women and are likely linked to difficult life events. This study also showed that significant panic attacks are more common in women with migraines, as well as those with cardiovascular disease and depression.Recent research has shown an association between panic attacks in older women and heart disease and stroke. This study looked at 3,300 women, 10 percent of whom had panic attacks. These women had three times the risk of having a stroke or heart attack than women who didn’t have panic attacks.Some research looking at the causes of panic attacks is focused on serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that helps send messages between brain cells and maintain mental balance. One such study is looking at serotonin’s role in the “fight or flight” response to life events.Panic: Why You May Be at RiskFactors that may play a role in panic disorder or make you more likely to develop it include:Your environment. Having traumatic events or being abused early in life may raise your risk of panic disorder.Genes. Experts think that many genes may contribute to a person's risk of developing panic disorder.Brain issues. People with panic disorder may have differences in certain brain structures, or different chemical levels or types of activity in particular areas of their brain.Sensitivity to anxiety. If you have "anxiety sensitivity," you have a greater sense that anxiety could be harmful to your body or your psychological well-being.Is It Panic Disorder?People have about a 5 percent chance of having panic disorder during their lives. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have panic attacks that recur repeatedly. However, many people have occasional panic attacks without the problem becoming a repeated event.If you have panic disorder, you may:Worry that you'll have another panic attackAvoid places or situations that you worry could trigger another attackAvoid places where an attack would be particularly troublesome (like in a restaurant or driving on the freeway)Make repeated trips to the emergency room, fearing you have a medical conditionPanic disorder often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. People with panic disorder often have other problems such as major depression, bipolar illness, or other types of anxiety disorders.Treating Panic AttacksYour doctor can prescribe different kinds of medication and therapy for treating your panic disorder, including:Antidepressants. These include drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac), as well as venlafaxine (Effexor), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.Benzodiazepines. Doctors often prescribe these drugs, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), to treat panic disorder along with SSRIs.Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy isn't used as often as medications for treating panic disorder, but it can be helpful. Also known as CBT, in this therapy a mental health professional guides you toward new ways of thinking about panic attacks and helps you become less fearful of symptoms such as racing heartbeat and shortness of breath.Panic Attack PreventionOne way to prevent panic attacks is to avoid alcohol and stimulants, such as cocaine and caffeine, because they can bring on an attack or make the symptoms worse.If you think you have panic disorder, discuss your symptoms with a doctor. Panic disorder is treatable, and if you're prone to panic attacks, medication or therapy can help bring your life back to normal.Last Updated: 6/2/2009
