Can you die from a panic attack
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Can You Die from a Panic Attack?
Cardiovascular Risks and Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can present symptoms that closely mimic those of cardiovascular diseases, such as palpitations, chest pain, and faintness. This similarity often leads patients to fear that they are experiencing a heart attack, prompting frequent consultations with physicians1. However, the critical question remains: can a panic attack directly cause death through cardiovascular complications?
Research indicates that while panic attacks themselves are not typically fatal, they can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular conditions. Studies have examined the association between panic disorder and cardiovascular mortality, suggesting that the stress and physiological responses triggered by panic attacks may contribute to cardiovascular complications in susceptible individuals1. Therefore, while a panic attack alone is unlikely to be fatal, it can pose significant risks for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Suicide and Panic Attacks
A more direct and concerning link between panic attacks and mortality is through suicide. Multiple studies have found that individuals with panic disorder or panic attacks have a higher incidence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts compared to the general population2 4. For instance, one study reported that 20% of individuals with panic disorder and 12% of those with panic attacks had attempted suicide4. This elevated risk persists even when accounting for other factors such as major depression or substance abuse.
The fear of dying during a panic attack, a common experience among sufferers, has been identified as a significant predictor of suicide attempts, particularly in individuals with comorbid depressive illnesses3. This suggests that the intense fear and catastrophic thinking associated with panic attacks can drive individuals towards suicidal behavior.
Violent Behavior and Panic Attacks
In addition to suicide, there is evidence to suggest that panic attacks can be associated with violent behavior. Case reports have documented instances where individuals exhibited violent actions directly linked to the panic state2. This relationship, while less studied, indicates that the acute distress and altered mental state during a panic attack can lead to dangerous behaviors, further highlighting the severe impact of panic attacks on mental health.
Conclusion
In summary, while a panic attack itself is unlikely to cause death directly, it can significantly impact individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions and is strongly associated with an increased risk of suicide and potentially violent behavior. The intense fear and physiological stress experienced during a panic attack can exacerbate underlying health issues and drive individuals towards self-harm. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and address the severe implications of panic attacks to mitigate these risks effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cardiovascular death from panic disorder and panic-like anxiety: a critical review of the literature.
Panic disorder and panic-like anxiety may be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality or complications, and patients with these disorders should be managed accordingly.
Literature ReviewSuicide and violence associated with panic attacks
Panic attacks may be associated with increased suicidal and violent behaviors, potentially explaining the higher suicide rates among patients.
Case ReportFEAR OF DYING IN PANIC ATTACKS PREDICTS SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN COMORBID DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS: PROSPECTIVE EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY ON ALCOHOL AND RELATED CONDITIONS
Panic attacks in comorbid depressed individuals are linked to increased risk of suicide attempts, potentially driven by catastrophic cognitions elicited by the attacks.
Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in panic disorder and attacks.
Panic disorder and attacks are associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts, highlighting the need for awareness in general medical settings and emergency departments.
Observational Study
Highly CitedPanic and Suicidal Behaviour
Panic disorder and panic attacks are more closely linked to self-harm than other psychiatric conditions, challenging the accepted wisdom and impacting clinical practice.
Life events preceding the onset of panic disorder.
Panic disorder patients experience a higher number and severity of life events compared to healthy subjects in the 12 months prior to the onset of symptoms.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAre panic attacks traumatic stressors?
Panic attacks can produce PTSD, but it is less severe than rape or combat.
Observational StudyPanic disorder and risk of new onset coronary heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac mortality: cohort study using the general practice research database.
New onset panic attacks/disorder are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction in younger people, but less effect in older individuals and a slightly reduced risk of CHD-related mortality.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe early-onset fearful panic attack as a predictor of severe psychopathology
Early-onset fearful panic attacks are associated with increased vulnerability to severe and persistent psychopathology and high rates of suicidality.
Observational StudySuicide and panic disorder: a review.
The risk of suicide in panic disorder is substantial, with 20% of deaths due to suicide, similar to that in depressive disorders, requiring clinicians to approach treatment with caution.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited