Mental illness in America is common. Approximately 15 percent of adults aged 60 and over suffer from one mental disorder or the other. The American population is aging rapidly and as older patients are likely to lay more emphasis on their physical problems, mental illness often goes underdiagnosed.

Did you know about 1 in every 10 people experience an occasional panic attack? Seniors often experience a panic attack for several reasons:

  • They have suffered from more pain
  • They experience more losses
  • Suffering from chronic conditions
  • They are on multiple medications
  • Suffer from confounding ailments

      • What Are Panics Attack?

      A panic attack is a sudden feeling of fear, anxiety, and overwhelming dreaded. It is a feeling where one believe that something horrible is about to happen. The signs and symptoms of a panic attack can last from a few minutes to many hours.

      The problem is thought to be caused by an abnormality in a small bundle of nerve cells called the locus coeruleus, located in the brainstem. Panic attack in the elderly is more likely to be linked with life changes, overwhelming fear, and anxiety. A panic attack is more common in females as compared to their male counterparts.

      Leading Causes of Panic Attack

      Panic attack wreaks havoc on the heart conditions. Some of the leading causes of a panic attack include:

      • Failing health
        Seniors often deal with chronic conditions that require regular medications. A combination of medications along with their side effect can have a negative effect on heart leading to a panic attack. Thus, if your loved ones are taking multiple medications, make sure they are closely monitored by the doctor. You can opt for in home health care services if they cannot travel to visit a doctor.
      • Loss of a spouse
        Loss of a spouse can lead to a panic attack as many seniors find themselves alone for the first time after decades. An overwhelming feeling of isolation after the loss of a spouse can cause fear to set in leading to a panic attack.
      • Elderly depression
        Loss of a spouse, empty nest syndrome, chronic illnesses, and other life changes can result in despair, hopelessness, and panic in people who were once independent and active in their life. This can lead to the onset of depression in seniors./li>

      Symptoms of Panic Attack

      Panic attack disorder is associated with a large number of signs and symptoms, such as:

      • Feeling like you are going to die
      • Shortness of breath
      • A feeling of overwhelming fear
      • Heart palpitations
      • Weak in the knees
      • Dizziness and lightheadedness
      • Hot and cold flashes
      • Sweating
      • Burning skin
      • Numbness and tingling sensation
      • Detached sensation
      • Choking sensation
      • Inability to calm yourself
      • Panicky feeling
      • Sudden urge to go to the bathroom
      • Trembling and shaking

      Managing Panic Attacks

      If your parents are experiencing something, don’t dismiss the fears saying, “It’s all in their head.” An acute panic attack can sometimes develop upon being exposed to a traumatic event. It is normal to feel panic at a terrifying experience. However, seniors suffering from panic attack can experience overwhelming fear without any trigger.

      Here’s how you can calm a person who is experiencing a panic attack.

      • Take him to a safe place
      • Be calm and gentle
      • Help the person slow down his breathing
      • Use imagination to calm them down
      • Indulge in some relaxation techniques such as yoga

      The elderly panic disorder responds well to a combination of medication and talk therapy. If your parents fear going out of the house, call the doctor at home. Utah Doctors At Home mobile medical team consists of skilled physicians, nurse practitioner, and an experienced team of health professionals.

      Visit https://amg-homedoctor.com or call 385-247-0050 to learn more about admission details.