Woman panic attack symptoms
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Symptoms of Panic Attacks in Women
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks in Women
Panic attacks in women often present with a variety of symptoms that can be both physical and psychological. Common physical symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a sensation of choking or smothering1 5 8. Psychological symptoms frequently reported are intense feelings of anxiety, restlessness, a sense of impending doom, and thoughts of escape or helplessness1 3 5.
Gender Differences in Panic Attack Symptoms
Research indicates that women are more likely than men to experience certain symptoms during panic attacks. Specifically, women report higher incidences of respiration-related difficulties, such as shortness of breath and feelings of suffocation6. This gender difference may be due to variations in sensitivity to carbon dioxide (CO2) and differences in the threshold for panic attacks during states of low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia)6.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
Women with panic attacks often exhibit psychological and emotional symptoms such as irritability, spontaneous weeping, and an inability to focus1. These symptoms can be exacerbated by psychological stressors, such as significant life changes or traumatic events. For instance, a case study of a 48-year-old woman revealed that her panic attacks were triggered by the stress of recent self-employment and her mother's terminal illness1.
Panic Attacks and Depression
There is a notable overlap between panic attacks and depression in women. Women with panic attacks often experience higher frequencies of anorexia, weight loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, and psychomotor agitation compared to those with depression alone2. Conversely, they exhibit lower frequencies of melancholic symptoms such as loss of interest in usual activities, guilt feelings, and psychomotor retardation2.
Hormonal Influences
Hormonal changes can significantly impact the severity and frequency of panic attacks in women. For example, some women experience increased severity of panic symptoms during the premenstrual week4. Additionally, pregnancy has been shown to reduce the severity of panic attacks, possibly due to hormonal changes that blunt the sympathoadrenal response to physiological stimuli7.
Unique Case Studies
Several unique case studies highlight the diverse triggers and manifestations of panic attacks in women. One case involved a 27-year-old woman who developed panic attacks after taking oral contraceptives, suggesting a link between hormonal changes and panic disorder8. Another case described a 62-year-old woman whose panic attacks were triggered by Exploding Head Syndrome, a condition characterized by hearing loud noises just before falling asleep9.
Conclusion
Panic attacks in women are characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms, with notable gender differences in symptom presentation. Psychological stressors, hormonal changes, and unique individual factors can all influence the onset and severity of panic attacks. Understanding these symptoms and their triggers is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A 48-year-old woman with panic attacks
A 48-year-old woman with panic attacks was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism after a history of ankle fracture and recent stress factors.
Case ReportDepressed women with panic attacks.
Depressed females with panic attacks have higher frequencies of anorexia, weight loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, hypochondriasis, and psychomotor agitation, and lower frequencies of melancholic symptoms.
Observational StudyThe symptom structure of panic attacks.
Panic attacks are characterized by a three-factor model: dizziness-related symptoms, cardiorespiratory distress, and cognitive factors, with helplessness and thoughts of escape being the highest severity factors.
Observational Study
Highly CitedMenstrual fluctuation in the symptoms of panic anxiety.
Panic attacks in women with panic attacks show significant fluctuations in severity during menstruation, with the premenstrual week being the most severe.
Observational StudyHighly CitedPanic Disorder with Choking Phobia : a Case Report
Panic disorder with choking phobia can be effectively managed with antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy.
Case ReportGender differences in panic disorder: findings from the National Comorbidity Survey.
Females are more likely to experience respiration-related difficulties during panic attacks compared to males, potentially due to differences in sensitivity to CO2 and the threshold for panic attacks during hypoxic and hypercapnic states.
Observational StudyHighly CitedEffect of pregnancy on panic attacks.
Pregnancy may improve panic symptoms in women with panic disorder due to blunting of the sympathetic response, effects on barbiturate receptors, or improved psychological functioning.
Highly CitedA case of panic disorder induced by oral contraceptive
Oral contraceptives may cause panic attacks due to their potentiation of the sympathetic response to physiological stimuli or psychological dysfunction due to rapid endocrinological change.
Case ReportExploding Head Syndrome Accompanied by Repeating Panic Attacks: A Case Report
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) can cause repeating panic attacks, but clonazepam treatment can gradually reduce the intensity of the loud noise and eliminate the fear of sleep.
Case ReportPsychological Precursors of Panic Attacks
Prediction of panic attacks is the only significant psychological precursor to panic attacks in female panic disorder patients, with anxiety levels following a circadian pattern.
Observational Study