Think Twice Before Saying, “I’m Having a Panic Attack”

In today’s world, issues like tension, intense fear, or heart palpitations are often perceived as Panic Attack. The term “panic attack,” now commonly used, describes a sudden and often unprovoked feeling of panic accompanied by physical symptoms—something nearly everyone has encountered. Psychiatrist Dr. Cem Hızlan from Anadolu Medical Center explains that panic attacks are often misinterpreted and are straying from their true medical definition. “When we feel anxious, our heart races with excitement, or we tremble with fear, we respond to ‘What’s wrong?’ by saying, ‘I’m having a panic attack.’ Panic attack is not an illness; rather, it can be thought of as a reflex. The actual disorder, however, is ‘panic disorder,’ which is part of a broader diagnostic group known as ‘Anxiety Disorders,’” he notes.

According to figures from the American Depression and Anxiety Association, there are 40 million people with panic disorder in the U.S., which accounts for 18% of the population and is more than half of Turkey’s total population. In Turkey, it is estimated that 4 out of every 100 people experience panic attacks severe enough to require treatment. The Turkey Mental Health Profile survey shows that the prevalence of panic disorder among patients visiting primary healthcare centers is 0.5% in women and 0.2% in men. World Health Organization data indicates that panic disorder is 2-3 times more common in women than in men.

When the Body’s Alarm Mechanism Breaks Down

Anadolu Medical Center Psychiatrist Dr. Cem Hızlan compares panic attacks to an emergency alarm system in the body. “When this alarm mechanism malfunctions, it leads to intense physical and mental arousal, preparing the body for reaction,” says Dr. Hızlan. He explains that physical effects of a panic attack include muscle tension, slowed digestion, nausea, cramping, increased bowel movement, air hunger, the sensation of inadequate breathing, heart palpitations, tachycardia, rapid blood pressure fluctuations, dry mouth, urge to urinate, pupil dilation, visual disturbances, dizziness, burning sensations, tingling, and skin numbness. Mentally, it creates a sense of extreme nervousness, hypersensitivity to surroundings, and a feeling of panic.

Lasts 15-20 Minutes with No Lasting Effect

Dr. Hızlan explains that, under normal conditions, a panic attack lasts about 15-20 minutes, after which an extreme feeling of fatigue sets in. “If additional stimuli occur during the attack, it can create a vicious cycle, causing episodes to follow each other and last for hours,” he says. Dr. Hızlan reminds us that a panic attack is triggered by the malfunctioning of an emergency alarm mechanism in the body, activating unnecessarily. “This is why doctors can’t link the symptoms to any pathology. At that moment, there may indeed be palpitations or breathing difficulties, but no illness is present. These symptoms arise due to the body’s response to a false alarm and, therefore, do not pose a health threat,” he adds.

Panic Disorder, Not Panic Attack, Is a Disease

Dr. Cem Hızlan emphasizes that it is normal and expected for the body’s panic response to activate in the face of sudden, intense danger or threat. “However, panic disorder is a condition within the broader diagnostic category of ‘Anxiety Disorders,’” he explains. “Thus, a panic attack itself is not a disease; rather, it’s a component of our defense mechanisms, similar to a reflex. While anxiety is also part of our general defense mechanisms, it differs from panic attacks by manifesting as milder symptoms over a longer period rather than in acute crises.”

Chronic Stress Triggers Panic Disorders

Dr. Cem Hızlan states that various factors can contribute to this disruption of panic mechanisms. These include chronic fatigue, prolonged exposure to stress, repeated traumas, anemia, certain vitamin deficiencies, the exhausting effects of chronic illnesses, or the toll of a major surgery.

Treatment Doesn’t Aim to Sedate the Patient

Dr. Hızlan explains that panic disorder treatment generally involves antidepressants. “The goal of treatment is not to sedate or relax the individual but to restore the malfunctioning triggering mechanisms. Therefore, the treatments used are not sedatives or tranquilizers; they function as regulators. However, there’s a prevalent misconception in society that these medications may cause sedation, addiction, or even dementia. Such beliefs lead to general resistance to treatment in the community, prolonging suffering,” he explains.

Ways to Prevent Panic

• Avoid hopelessness and pessimism.
• Engage in brisk exercise at least 3 days a week for a minimum of 40 minutes.
• Prioritize regular and healthy eating, avoiding overeating and prolonged fasting.
• Steer clear of coffee, tea, acidic and carbonated drinks, and energy drinks.

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