A panic attack is not a character weakness, not a female "invention," not "a phase that will pass on its own." In this article we examine 7 of the most common myths and provide a scientifically grounded answer to each.

Myth 1: "Panic Attacks Only Happen to Women"

False. Statistically it occurs twice as often in women, however 3–5% of men also suffer from panic disorder over their lifetime (NIMH data). In men it often goes "undiagnosed" because they are less likely to seek help. In men, a panic attack frequently masquerades as "heart problems" or "blood pressure fluctuations."

Myth 2: "You Can Die from a Panic Attack"

False. The physiological changes that occur during a panic attack (racing heart, hyperventilation, sweating) do not harm a healthy body. A racing heart (160–180/min) is normal for a running athlete. Your body can handle it.

Exception: in the presence of a serious heart condition (e.g., prolonged arrhythmia) a panic attack may add additional strain. But for a healthy adult — a panic attack is safe.

Myth 3: "A Panic Attack Leads to Losing One's Mind"

False. A panic attack does not develop into schizophrenia, psychosis, or any psychiatric disorder. The sensation of "unreality" (depersonalization/derealization) is a symptom of the panic cycle, occurring due to changes in blood distribution in the brain. After the attack ends, everything returns completely to normal.

Research (Roy-Byrne et al., 2008) shows that panic disorder does not develop into psychosis, dementia, or other severe disorders.

Myth 4: "A Panic Attack Is a Character Weakness"

False. Panic disorder is a neurobiological condition. Genetic factors play a role (with anxiety disorder in the family, risk is 4–5 times higher), brain chemistry (serotonin and GABA balance), and traumatic experience. There is no connection to "weak willpower" or a "character defect."

Comparison: when someone suffers from diabetes, we don't call them "weak-willed." The same standard should apply to panic disorder.

Myth 5: "Medication Is Prescribed for Life"

False. Medication treatment for panic disorder is generally 6 to 12 months. SSRI-type antidepressants (sertraline, paroxetine) and SNRIs are used long-term, then gradually tapered. Benzodiazepines (alprazolam) — only for short-term use due to the risk of dependency.

According to NICE guidelines, patients receiving CBT psychotherapy can achieve successful results without medication in more than 50% of cases. The decision is individual — planned separately for each patient.

Myth 6: "Physical Exercise Is Harmful — It Raises Heart Rate"

Quite the opposite — physical exercise is a natural anxiolytic for panic. A Cochrane meta-analysis (2013) showed that:

  • Aerobic exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes reduces the frequency of panics by 30–40%
  • After workouts, serotonin and endorphin levels increase
  • Regular exercise reduces amygdala sensitivity

Bonus: regular exercise "accustoms" a person to a racing heart — functioning as interoceptive exposure.

Myth 7: "A Panic Attack Will Pass on Its Own"

Half true. A single panic attack — yes, sometimes passes without recurrence (in only 25–30% of cases). But panic disorder (that is, recurring attacks) without treatment increases the likelihood of:

  • Developing agoraphobia (up to 50%)
  • Secondary depression (30–50%)
  • Alcohol/drug use (attempted self-medication)
  • Job loss and social isolation

Early treatment is shorter and more effective. A person who waits 5 years for it to "pass on its own" often comes after 5 years with a much more complex clinical picture.

Conclusion: Correct Knowledge Is the First Step to Recovery

Debunking myths brings relief to those who suffer from panic disorder: "I am not alone. This is not a character defect. This is a condition that can be understood and treated."

If you or someone close to you suffers from panic attacks — seeking help is not weakness, it is responsibility. Like a broken arm — it won't heal on its own, but with proper treatment it fully recovers.