Q I have anxiety disorder and suddenly my heart pounds and I feel like I'm going to die. Is this panic?
A Panic attacks are diagnosed separately from GAD; you should first check for heart abnormalities, then assess whether panic disorder or depression accompanies it.
Detailed Answer
If sudden palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling of the hands and feet, and a fear of dying peak within 10 minutes and then subside, a panic attack is suspected. About 25% of GAD patients also have panic disorder, and 60% have depressive disorder. Because a panic attack can be caused by physical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia or hyperthyroidism, an ECG and thyroid test come first, and once physical disease is ruled out, the treatment plan is redesigned based on panic disorder and depression criteria.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, a panic attack is seen as a state in which Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency (simdam-heogeop) reaches an extreme and the Heart-qi (simgi) suddenly scatters. When anxiety, depression, and panic occur together, we augment Siho-gayonggolmoryeo-tang with liver-coursing herbs (Hyangbuja/nutgrass, Ulgeum/turmeric) to simultaneously reinforce gallbladder qi and resolve liver stagnation. Acupuncture combines the Naegwan (PC6), Taechung (LR3), and Joksamni (ST36) points to restore autonomic nervous system balance.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can anxiety disorder go away completely, or do I have to manage it for life?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Is there something I can do right away when anxiety rises?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Does exercise really help with anxiety? What kind of exercise is good?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I'm pregnant and my anxiety is very severe. Can I take herbal medicine?
#Safety
-
Q
I have anxiety disorder and thoughts of wanting to die. Can I still receive Korean medicine treatment?
#Safety