Panic Attacks & PTSD

Researchers at Geisinger Health System have determined that, contrary to recent opinions in psychology circles, having a panic attack during a traumatic event does not increase a person’s risk for subsequently developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Rather, researchers found that prior psychological history, such as depression, and the availability of an emotional support network are better leading indicators of PTSD susceptibilty.

From the research:

“Clinicians should look at other signs of mental-health stress such as not sleeping, recently experiencing stressful life events and withdrawing from social interactions,” Boscarino said. “Our study suggests that many factors contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder-not just panic attacks during the event.”

What was interesting to me was the research population that was used – people involved with the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks.

About 10% of Americans suffer panic attacks each year, and the ratio increases among those who have experienced traumatic events. Like many people who have a history of panic attacks, I also have a dandy background of trauma – kidnapped sister, dead sister, parental abandonment, and assorted physical and emotional abuse. So the fact that I ended up with trauma-induced anxiety as an adult is hardly a surprise.

It’s all part of the immense jigsaw puzzle of the mind.

Panic attacks during traumatic events not a harbinger of PTSD