u10d2 Panic Disorders For this discussion:

Locate and read a recent, full-text article from the Capella Library that explores the biological foundation of panic. Briefly summarize the article, discussing the symptoms of panic disorder. What are the biological correlates of panic? Cite your source using APA formatting.

Response Guidelines Respond to at least one other learner. Your response is expected to be substantive in nature and to reference the assigned readings, as well as other theoretical, empirical, or professional literature to support your views and writings. Cite your sources using APA formatting. 1. Locate and read a recent, full-text article from the Capella Library that explores the biological foundation of panic. Briefly summarize the article, discussing the symptoms of panic disorder. Anxiety disorders are psychologically debilitating illnesses and are among the most common affective psychiatric syndromes (Carlson, 2013). Among all anxiety related disorders, panic disorders have been the most researched over the past 25 years. According to National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R) reports, panic disorder occurs over the duration of the lifespan among 4-7% of patients (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006). Moreover, females are more prone to panic disorders than males, and the typical modal age of onset panic disorder is late adolescence or early adulthood. Research also suggests that panic disorders rarely occur without psychopathological comorbidity and tend to exhibit strong associations with agoraphobia, a generalized fear of a panic attack in public; and major depression (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006). In children and adolescents, panic disorder is often accompanied by chronic anxiety, mood and other disruptive disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder). Panic attacks can also occur in victims of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when memories of past traumatic events are suddenly catalyzed. The constellation of panic attack symptomatology includes sudden paroxysmal bursts of severe anxiety, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal seizure, otoneurological dysfunction, autonomic euphoria, sweating and dizziness (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006, Carlson, 2013). Many individuals who suffer from panic attacks struggle with recurrent anticipatory anxiety as well, which is fear of an impending panic attack. Its important to note that not all panic attacks are the result of panic disorder. Various phobic reactions to feared stimulus (snakes, spiders, heights, fear of being scrutinized in public, etc.) can

elicit similar symptoms. According to Roy-Byrne et al. (2006), panic attacks may also be indicative of hyperthyroidism, stimulant abuse, or partial complex seizures. However, an individual who incurs extraordinary fear sensations from a legitimate panic attack, typically experiences panic type symptoms unprovoked by any external stimulus. 2. What are the biological correlates of panic? The biological correlates of panic disorder are supported by evidence indicating distinct genetic forms reflect a vulnerability to panic and anxiety. Genetic studies posit that gene variation in the encoding of the brain derived neurotropic factor protein (BDNF) impairs the extinction of conditioned fear response resulting in increased atypical activity of the amygdala and ventralmedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) (Carlson, 2013). Additional phenotypes of panic disorder have been suggested such as chromosome 13 and 18, although these findings are neither consistent among extant research nor robust (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006). Moreover, associated studies of genetic activation in neurotransmitter systems, such as norepinephrine and serotonin related receptor genes, have failed to link these transporters to panic disorder. This accentuates the difficulty in genome wide association methods in generally determining the causal biological structures to various complex genetic diseases. However, research does confirm that patients with panic disorder show reduction of neural circuitry and cerebral glucose metabolism in amygdala, temporal lobe, hippocampus, thalamus and brain stem areas (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006). Studies have also shown reductions in benzodiazepine receptor density in the hippocampus and amygdala in panic disorder patients. The amygdala contains high concentrations of GABA receptors, which are suppressed during a panic attack. Benzodiazepines exert a significant effect upon GABA receptors to enhance the activation of GABA receptors. According to Carlson (2013), benzodiazepines are used to treat panic disorders because of their rapid onset. Its also noteworthy that benzodiazepines elicit a negative effect in demonstrating a narrow range of efficacy across disorders and are highly susceptible to physiological dependence and withdrawal symptoms (Roy-Byrne et al., 2006). Lastly, specific serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the preferred pharmacological treatment for panic disorder and have been shown to assist patients in coping with panic and mood disorders often augmented with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment strategies. Anthony Rhodes General Psychology PhD. References Carlson, N. R. (2013). Physiology of behavior (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN: 9780205239399.

Roy-Byrne, P., Craske, M., & Stein, M. (2006). Panic disorder. Lancet, 368(9540), 1023-1032. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69418-X