To gain better insight on whether or not there is a link between panic attacks and depression, we should define both terms and then make a comparison in order to determine whether there is any significant casual relation between the two phenomena.
Difference between panic attacks and depression
Panic attacks and depression are not the same. They may have similarities in some aspects, but in reality they are two separate conditions that should be addressed differently as well. Depression usually deals with negative emotions such as sadness, despair, or anger. People who suffer from depression usually have low energy levels even to engage in usual day to day activities. On the other hand, panic attacks or anxiety disorders make a person feel scared or anxious in normal situations that would not cause such a reaction. In some cases, people can recognize the stigma or trigger that causes the attack but sometimes, the person suffering from such a condition suffers a sudden attack without even being able to identify the trigger.
A panic attack is said to be a sudden, extreme and unexplainable feeling of fear or intense discomfort that can last for up to ten minutes. People who experience panic attacks often complain of fast heartbeat, chest pains, trembling, shortness of breath and sweating. On the other hand, depression is defined as a state of low mood levels. People who are depressed usually also complain of being tired, uninterested in daily activities, sleep problems, loss of concentration, or a feeling of sadness or hopelessness.
Actually, almost 5% of Americans suffer from a form of anxiety attack or depression. The tendency of one afflicted with depression is to have higher chances of getting anxiety or panic attacks. The common symptoms of panic attacks are similar to respiratory heart conditions. Shortness of breath and rapid heartbeats are common in both situations.
Depression can be difficult to diagnose. Some common symptoms are feeling bored, sad , alone or feeling hopeless. The intense feelings connected with depression may lead to increased panic attacks due to the anxiety brought about by being depressed.
What exactly is the link between panic attacks and depression?
Experts report that constant or recurring panic attacks can cause a person to be depressed. Having a panic attack leaves one exhausted which may lead him or her to a more depressed state. Also, people with an extreme panic attack issue can develop a tendency to avoid interaction with people in order to decrease the chances of them having a panic attack in public. Avoidance of interaction with people actually puts them in a more depressed state. In cases of people who experience this phenomenon, they say that the fear of interaction escalates first before they start feeling depressed. These people also think of getting rid of their fear of interaction with people in order to free themselves of depression. This is an important aspect in treatment of panic attacks and depression since panic attacks will have to be dealt with first, before addressing the issue of depression.
At present, no one can certainly establish the scientific link between panic or anxiety attacks and depression. However, there are links that can be seen in the two conditions. Example, as defined earlier, a panic attack renders one almost helpless as he succumbs to intense fear, coupled with physical manifestations of the panic. This feeling of helplessness is also seen as a symptom of depression. Also, the more panic attacks a person experiences, the more he or she feels helpless. And the more helpless he or she feels, the more depression can set in. Panic attacks do not manifest themselves in extreme emotions or extreme fear, fear can have physical manifestations in other people. They might be too afraid to do the things that trigger a panic attack. Avoidance of such activities will only increase their feelings of helplessness and loneliness. It will only increase the odds of isolation which in turn can increase the feelings of depression.
If left untreated, both these conditions can seriously hamper your way of life. The person may not be able to form bonds with other people. That person may be hampered in rendering work. In extreme cases, people with such a condition do not even want to leave the house due to extreme fear. It is evident that these two conditions need to be treated before they escalate into greater levels.
Treatment for panic attacks and depression
Currently, the treatment for both conditions are similar. The view in the medical field is that the presence of both panic disorder and depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Hence, prescriptions for depression usually also address panic attacks. Although not all people who suffer from panic attacks have depression and vice versa, these are two serious conditions that can lead to other complications. If you know anyone with such conditions or if you yourself are suffering from such affliction, then it is best to consult an expert that can help you get over your ordeal. If you are depressed more than you suffer panic attacks, then try talking to someone that you can trust. This is usually the first step to feeling better.