Anticipated Catastrophe: Definition, origins, and additional insights
A feeling of "impending doom" is a sensation that something tragic or life-threatening is about to happen, and it can be a concerning experience for many individuals. This feeling is not exclusively associated with medical events, as it is often linked to certain mental health conditions as well.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders (including panic attacks and panic disorder), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause recurrent or intense dread and cyclical anxiety. These feelings can worsen the sensation of impending doom[1][3][4][5].
On the other hand, a feeling of impending doom can also be linked to serious physical conditions, such as heart attack, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), and possibly other acute physiological stress responses. It may also occur due to physiological stress related to illness, surgery, or environmental factors that trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response[1][2][3].
It is crucial to seek immediate medical care if a person experiences symptoms of a heart attack, which include chest pain, spread of pain to arms, neck, jaw, or back, nausea and vomiting, sweaty or clammy skin, heartburn or indigestion, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, lightheadedness or dizziness, and anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack[2].
If a person experiences a feeling of impending doom that does not go away, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or breathing difficulties, they should contact a doctor for medical evaluation[1][3][5]. Conditions such as anaphylaxis, intraoperative awareness, pheochromocytoma, pulmonary embolism (PE), and epilepsy aura may list a feeling of impending doom as a symptom or a differential diagnosis.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside a feeling of impending doom include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, depersonalization, sweating, hot flashes, tremors, or shaking.
In case of a heart attack, dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department, stay with the person until emergency services arrive, perform manual chest compressions if needed, and use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) if available.
For some people, a feeling of impending doom can dissipate simply by speaking with a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing this sensation, it is essential to reach out to a healthcare or mental health professional for guidance and support.
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