Are panic attacks seperate to depression

[Daisycqt]

I just wondered wether the panic attacks I've started to have are related to my depression or are they a seperate anxiety issue? I've coped fairly well with stress up to now but one little thing can set me off into a full blown panic attack. I'm seeing my doctor in about a week but in the mean time what does everyone think?

[White_Rose]

Hello Daisy

Welcome to the forum. It's an interesting question you have posed. I think the short answer is both reasons are true.

In the past I have had panic attacks without any depression. For me I think they were triggered by claustrophobia as they happened when I became uneasy in enclosed places. Not all enclosed places though, only when it seemed fairly dark and I was in a strange place.

However the panic attacks increased when I became depressed. Both the frequency and intensity. Actually it was quite strange because I did not put the two events together. The earlier events were easily managed, but whether that had anything to do with my age, much younger, or the fact that I was rarely alone when they happened I don't know.

I do know the character of them changed during the depression. I found them really terrifying with more of the physical symptoms such as being unable to breathe. Maybe these more intense episodes were because I was already wobbly due to the depression. I don't know and until I read your post it had never occurred to me.

My guess would be that the two conditions are related, depression the origin of panic. I say this as depression is a huge stressor and as you say, any little thing can upset what is often a fragile balance.

Regards

Mary

[Selkie]

Hello daisy,

from my experience depression and anxiety go hand in hand.

the medication I take targets my ddepression very well, however panic attacks rip me apart whenever it pleases. I have learnt over the years that I can somewhat control it (touch wood), and limit a panic attack. Hope this helps

[the_motorcycle_boy]

Hi Daisycqt,

Welcome aboard. I agree with White Rose that both reasons are valid. I suffered from full on panic attacks for several months some years ago. I sought help from a psychologist but the attacks didn't stop until my psychiatrist put me on a more sedative antidepressant. And that worked, thankfully. So mine was primarily a chemical solution. Hope this is helpful to you.

Cheers

TMB

[gautama]

I also agree with White Rose. I experienced severe panic attacks for years and the only thing that helped were benzodiazapines but they, in the end, create more problems and offer no solutions. Like the person in the previous comment I found an antidepressant made all the difference in the world, and since being on that medication have not had a panic attack since.