What causes panic attacks, and how can you prevent them? - Cindy J. Aaronson

Summary by Krater

This video explains the physiological mechanisms behind panic attacks, common misconceptions, and treatments such as antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.

From the video

Answers: What causes panic attacks and how are they treated?

• panic attack physiology
• amygdala and adrenaline response
• panic disorder diagnosis
• antidepressant medication relapse rates
• cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder

What it concludes

• Panic attacks are an overreaction of the body's normal physiological response to perceived danger.
• Antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy both have about a 40% response rate for panic disorder.
• 50% of people relapse when they stop taking antidepressant medications.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy has a lower relapse rate of only 20%.
• Understanding panic attacks and recognizing them is the first step in preventing and managing them.