When Fear Overwhelms: A Christian Perspective on Panic Disorder

Key Aspects of Panic Disorder

According to Clinton and Hawkins (2011), panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder marked by the occurrence of frequent panic attacks and the fear of their recurrence (p. 201). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2022) defines a panic attack as “an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort” (p. 236). For an anxiety event to be classified as a panic attack, it must feature at least four of the following symptoms: Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; feelings of choking; chest pain or discomfort; nausea or abdominal distress; feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint; chills or heat sensations; paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations); derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); fear of losing control or “going crazy;” fear of dying (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Panic attacks are not merely intense events of emotional worry; they are physical experiences that completely dominate the bodies of those who experience them. People who have never experienced panic attacks often struggle to comprehend their severity. Motta (2023) likens the occurrence of a panic attack to being trapped in a vehicle that is stuck on train tracks as the lights and sounds of an impending locomotive approach. A feeling of being “out of control and unable to affect your environment” is coupled with “the extremely intense fear of annihilation” (p. 4). The severity of these events and the fear of their recurrence regularly drive people with panic disorder to completely avoid situations that might trigger events, such as large crowds or driving at night; their entire lives are rearranged out of fear of another attack (American Psychiatric Association, 2022, p. 237).

Biblical Insights on the Issue

Clinton and Hawkins (2011) credit the fall of man for the existence of anxiety in the world today (p. 202-203). They cite the fear and anxiety that were aroused in the hearts and minds of Adam and Eve following their first sin. This sin ruined their perfect existence with God and created the rift between God and man that exists today (Genesis 3). Clinton and Hawkins (2011) also discuss studies such as Lee, Zaharlick, and Aker’s 2011 study that proved the positive effect that prayer and meditation have on worry and anxiety (p. 203). Furthermore, Clinton and Hawkins (2011) discuss the implications of 1 John 4:18, “Perfect love drives out fear” (New International Version, 2011). Prayer and meditation directly impact the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls fear response (p. 203).

Psalm 55 speaks directly to the reality that people with panic disorder regularly experience. The psalmist cries, “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me” (English Standard Version, 2016). Ash (2024) provides the context for this psalm. The backdrop is a betrayal experienced by King David and one that foreshadows the betrayal Jesus experienced at the hands of Judas (p. 1744). Many people with panic disorder feel that their bodies have betrayed them and they can no longer trust themselves. Ash recounts, “We need to sing this psalm not only because we may expect, in some measure, to experience this betrayal but also so that we will know how to respond with the faith of Psalm 55:22–23” (p. 1745). Psalm 55:22 reads, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (English Standard Version, 2016). As referenced by Clinton and Hawkins (2011), meditation on the sustenance and sufficiency of Christ is paramount in order to counter the fear of death that so regularly accompanies panic disorder.

Resources for Panic Disorder

Many resources exist to come alongside those living with panic disorder. The Psychology of Panic (2023)is a great book that helps readers understand simple strategies and framing techniques to control and avoid panic in their daily living. Hope and Help for Your Nerves (2020) is a book that invites those with panic disorder break the cycle of fear in which they find themselves and regain confidence to engage with life normally. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s website offers great resources for family members of those with panic disorder and educates spouses on how to care for their husband or wife during panic attacks. Scotland’s national health information website provides a panic attack self help guide that educates people newly diagnosed with panic disorder.

The 988 crisis intervention hotline is a fantastic resource for people in the grips of a panic attack who find themselves unable to calm down. Trained crisis counselors assist with breathing exercises and steps to deescalate the attack. Those with panic disorder should invest in time with a licensed cognitive behavioral therapist who can aide in locating unknown triggers and identifying coping strategies uniquely tailored to life circumstances. Finally, organizations such as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America offer online support groups for peer-peer communication and encouragement.

Resources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th Edition). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Ash, C. (2024). The psalms: A Christ-centered commentary (Vol. 1). Crossway.

Clinton, T. & Hawkins, R. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of Christian counseling. Harvest House Publishers.

English Standard Version Bible. (2016). Crossway.

Motta, R. (2023) The psychology of panic. InTech Open.

New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan.

Weekes, C. (2020) Hope and help for your nerves. Berkely.