According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 2.7% of American adults suffer from panic disorder, and about 4.7% have experienced a panic attack at some point in their lives. However, because panic disorder symptoms are similar to cardiovascular and chest diseases, many patients mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack during their first episode, leading them to repeatedly visit cardiology or chest specialists, delaying proper psychiatric treatment.
Common Symptoms and Misdiagnosis Risks of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder with symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, trembling, and even a fear of imminent death.
According to research conducted by En Chu Kong Hospital and the National Taiwan University Biomedical Electronics and Information Institute, the top three symptoms of panic disorder are chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations. About 30% of patients experience episodes without clear triggers, and panic attacks may occur even while resting in a calm environment. Consequently, many patients repeatedly visit emergency rooms, only to have normal ECG and examination results, until they are eventually diagnosed with panic disorder.
Smart Wearable Devices to Enhance Treatment Effectiveness
In a three-year study, 138 patients with panic disorder were recruited, and divided into a mobile app-assisted case management group (108 people) and a traditional treatment group (30 people). The patient's sleep patterns, activity levels, and heart rates were monitored using smartwatches, and they used an app for real-time reporting and psychological support.
Common symptoms of panic disorder are similar to those of some cardiovascular, thoracic, and neurological diseases. (Image/Source: Frontiers)
Advantages of Digital Tools:
📌 Real-time Monitoring: The app records panic attack timing and symptoms (such as palpitations and breathing difficulties).
📌 Case Manager Support: Patients are contacted at least once a week to provide counseling and treatment advice.
📌 Immediate Response to Symptom Worsening: If the app detects a PDSS score exceeding the limit (Panic Disorder Severity Scale), the case manager can provide immediate psychological support, reducing emergency visits.
Results showed that using smart wearable devices and app-assisted treatment significantly reduced the frequency of panic attacks, improved patients' understanding of their condition, and reduced unnecessary ER visits.
Panic Disorder Treatment Requires Integration of Medication and Psychological Support
1️⃣ Medication Treatment
💊 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
💊 Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)
2️⃣ Psychological Therapy
🧠 Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Adjusts cognitive responses to panic attacks.
🧘&zwj♂️ Relaxation training and stress management: Reduces anxiety levels.
3️⃣ Lifestyle Adjustments
✔ Monitor sleep and exercise habits.
✔ Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants.
✔ Establish a support system to reduce feelings of isolation.
A Patient's Personal Experience: From Anxiety to Stability
Nurse Guo Ying-ying shared her experience with panic disorder: "My first attack happened at an MRT station. Without warning, I fainted. After visiting a cardiologist and finding no issues, I had another episode at a restaurant where I couldn&rsquot breathe, and my hands and feet went numb. Through sleep adjustments and regular exercise, my condition improved, and I was eventually diagnosed with panic disorder."
She found that many patients overlook the importance of lifestyle habits and rely solely on sleeping pills for relief. By using a smartwatch and app to track data, patients can better understand their condition, and family members can provide more effective support to reduce panic symptoms.
Developing a smart platform that connects data with predictive models aims to make it easier for medical teams to support patients with panic disorder. (Image/Source: Frontiers)
Conclusion: Panic Disorder Can Be Managed with Active Treatment
Dr. Tsai Chang-heng emphasized, "Reducing panic episodes, eliminating fear of attacks, and maintaining a normal life are the ultimate goals of panic disorder treatment." If panic is triggered by short-term stress such as divorce, financial pressure, or workplace anxiety, psychological counseling can provide relief. However, if it is related to physical conditions or environmental factors, medication, exercise, and sleep adjustments are key to effective management.
By combining digital technology with case manager support, panic disorder patients can manage their condition more effectively, improve treatment adherence, and enhance their quality of life.
