Post-Earthquake Panic Attack

By Dr Pankaj Aggarwal

The frequent earthquakes, around the world, have shaken the world, quite literally. Just like the aftershocks, you will always find people complaining that they still feel the quakes, even after weeks of the actual earthquake happening.
Gender: Women have twice the risk for most anxiety disorders as men. Cultural pressures like social perfection, domestic duties and fewer self-restrictions tend to affect the state of mind post-earthquake.
Age: Panic disorder is often diagnosed in the teens and senior citizens. Studies suggest that 3 – 5% of children and aged-people have some anxiety disorder. Depression and fear develops in them due to the inability to take safety measures.
Personality Factors: Personalities indicate higher or lower risk of future anxiety. Extremely shy people tend to undergo a panicky state of mind than those who have outspoken persona. Apart from personalities, biological tendencies also affect the stress after earthquake as the “fear centre” in the brain is affected.
Family History and Dynamics: Anxiety tends to run in families. Genetic factors play an important in post-disaster anxiety. The strong correlation between a parent’s fear about their offspring affects their psychology. Children often learn phobias, panics and fear of uncertainties by observing their parents or guardians.

Social Factors: Lack of social connection and a sense of threatening environment affect the panic level of the individual. Socially active population tends to survive the earthquake turmoil whereas alienated people are prone to post-earthquake fears and anxiety.
Traumatic Events: Traumatic events trigger anxiety, especially in individuals who are susceptible to them because of psychological, genetic or biochemical factors. Specific disturbing events in childhood, particularly those that threaten family integrity can also lead to angst and emotional disorders.
Medical Conditions: Panic disorder has been associated with some medical conditions like mitral valve prolapse, irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines and premenstrual syndrome.

About Dr Pankaj Aggarwal: Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal, Senior Homeopath and psychologist, Agrawal Homoeo Clinic, a homoeopathic physician by profession, he treats his patients with sweet pills, understanding the biological, emotional and psychological condition of the patient, without the intervention of surgical tools. Being a Psychologist, he cures patients of depression, chain smoking, hypertension- all that leads to heart problems in early stages of life.