Blood Test Could Diagnose Panic Disorder

Millions of Americans suffer from panic attacks. Some are more intense than others, however, many of us, if not all, have felt that horrible "knot" in our stomachs, and have felt our pulse raise as our minds begin traveling a million miles per hour. It isn't really known why panic attacks start, however, it is known that once they do start they are a horrible experience. But what if there was a study that was to show that you could have a blood test that showed if you are in-line for panic disorder? Well, that may just be a possibility as research is coming closer to being able to narrow down on panic disorders.

Dr. Robert Philibert, who is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa, has begun a study that analyzes the genes in immature white blood cells, which were taken from sixteen different people that suffer from panic disorders, and then seventeen other people who live free from this disorder. Their findings showed the with the people with panic disorders, many of their genes were "expressed" more or less often than the genes of the people who did not have a panic disorder. It has been shown that the genes of the people with panic disorder had different patterns of "gene expression."

Philibert was quoted saying that being able to actually test and see if one has panic disorder will greatly increase the ability to diagnose a person with this disorder based on genetic information, much like we can diagnose downs syndrome and cystic fibrosis. This will, in turn, give doctors a better understanding on how to actually treat and, in-turn, prevent panic disorders. And with about three percent of Americans living with this disorder, it is a great turn-around.

But what does it feel like to have a panic attack? Many people find the symptoms being very similar with having a heart attack. Some of the symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and the feeling of loss of control or dying. Since the symptoms are very similar to heart attack victims, many panic disorder suffers end up in the emergency room for heart tests, when in fact their heart is fine.

But what causes panic attacks? Although the actual "definition" answer is unclear, due to the fact that each person reacts to their environment differently, there are several different factors that go into panic attacks. Some of these include an imbalance of brain chemicals, history of panic disorders in ones family, as well as actual thought patterns that trigger stress or anxiety. However, panic attacks are still a wide mystery, because they can happen in stressful situations or just occur for no apparent reason. However, there are several main factors that have been found to trigger an episode. Some of these include, too much nicotine or caffeine, the use of drugs, such as methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD and marijuana.

What are the symptoms of panic attacks? Although there are many different types of "sensations" that one feels, there are some that are universal. During an attack it is common for one to feel a difficulty in breathing, or rapid breaths - hyperventilation - a feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety, chest pains, chest tightness, dizziness, shaking and sweating.

So what do you do during an actual panic attack? If you find yourself in this horrible experience, there are several things that you can do to remain calm, and help keep your attack from escalading. First, make sure that you remain calm, and speak softly. It is always best to find someone to sit with and guide you through this attack. If there is no one around, call for help if you must. Also, breathing exercises can help ease the attack down. First, inhale slowly through your nose. Count to five while you're slowly expanding your stomach and then your chest. Hold your breath for two seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth while counting to five again. Relax your entire body while your breath is out. One major key to getting through a panic attack is to remain control and keep your mental thoughts clear. Quickly avoid the rush of thoughts that come to your mind, it is when you become carried away by the attack that you begin to deeper your attack.

However, there are several things in which you should NOT DO during a panic attack. These include, not letting the thoughts of hopelessness, anxiety or fear take over your mind, you must STAY IN CONTROL. If you find that being in a highly social environment has triggered your attack, leave the room and step outside until you have calmed yourself down and regained control. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road until the attack has passed.