Linking Panic Attack and Depression: Is There a Connection?
While there is no established link yet to prove the connection between panic attacks and depression, people have been giving hints that they are indeed connected. Yes, depression might be characterized by having a low energy state, but in reality, there is an inner turmoil on a depressed patient that can trigger panic attacks. People who are depressed feel a sense of anxiety inside. It can also be the reverse: panic attacks can cause depression because the condition itself can be very depressing. The intense fear and nervousness one feels during an attack can make him feel depressed thereafter.
Many researchers believe that there is a tight connection between the two but they all have varying theories that suggest the connection. They have different theories as to what triggers what and which of the two will come first: panic attacks or depression. This is mainly attributed to the fact that patients who have both have very varied conditions as well. Here are two of the most common theories they found out and their findings about panic attacks and depression.
Theory #1: Depression after the Attack
According to the study done by one of the research groups, people who suffer from chronic pain will most likely experience depression after an attack. Panic attacks itself are very exhausting already. The fear, nervousness, nausea and drowsiness as well as palpitation and excessive sweating are all very exhausting experiences. People who already suffer from chronic pain and then experience panic attack symptoms will most definitely feel exhaustion after. Their bodies are already far too wear to handle the symptoms due to their pain which can make them feel tired and sore after to do anything. This will then lead to depression.
People who don’t have chronic pain were also reported to have depression after the attack. The thought of experiencing an attack again is what caused them the depression.
There are also those who had agoraphobia after as they try to seclude themselves away from the public eye because of the threat that another attack might happen. Not being able to be around people and socialize often lead to depression
Theory #2: Attack after the Depression
The other group of researchers believed that depression came before panic attacks. Some people who suffered from the condition claimed that they experienced panic attacks on their most depressed state. But there are also those who experienced both in chorus which made it hard for them to distinguish which came first. This usually occurs to people who are very anxious which can then lead to attacks. These are people who are usually faced with far too many problems on their plate for them eat.
Depression can make a person vulnerable to panic attacks especially if he is someone very attuned to his body. He can easily recognize the feeling of depression which makes him feel very fearful and nervous after.
Then there is also the theory that there is no connection between the two at all. Though panic attacks and depression were not proven to have a connection yet, patient’s attest to experiencing the two at the same time or one after the other making experts believe that there is a connection indeed between the two. This is also the primary reason why both conditions have anti-depressants as medications to manage the condition.
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Are you looking for more information regarding panic attacks and depression? Visit http://panicattackssolved.com/ today!
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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: panic attacks and depression