Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition in which debilitating anxiety and fear arise frequently and without reasonable cause. Panic attacks are a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear/acute and disabling anxiety. Both of these can be completely incapacitating to people trying to go about their day-to-day lives. By learning about panic disorder and panic attacks and how to treat them, we can create a safe place for people who suffer from these disorders to get the help and support they need.
Common signs and symptoms of Panic Disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, are:
- Sudden and repeated attacks of fear
- A lack of control during a panic attack
- An intense worry about when the next attack will happen
- A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
- Physical symptoms such as racing heartbeat, sweating, difficulty breathing, weakness or dizziness, hot flashes or cold chills, tingling or numb hands, and chest or stomach pain
Other signs and symptoms of panic attacks, according to Help Guide, are:
- Shortness or breath or hyperventilation
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Trembling or shaking
- Choking feeling
- Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings
- Sweating
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Fear of dying, losing control or going crazy
None of these signs and symptoms are pleasant and no one should have to feel this way. My older brother, Justin, suffers from panic disorder and panic attacks. During his junior and senior years in high school, he was homebound because his anxiety was so bad. Since learning about his disorder and getting treatment, it has become more manageable for him and he is doing much better. He would never wish this upon anyone because he knows how absolutely debilitating and draining these disorders can be.
Panic attacks may occur at any given time, even during sleep. They usually hit their peak in about 10 minutes, but the symptoms may linger on for much longer. Panic disorder is often accompanied by other problems such as drug abuse, alcoholism or depression.
Both of these can be treated with psychotherapy, medication or a mixture of both. Cognitive behavior is one type of psychotherapy that is used to treat these disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which negative perceptions about oneself and the world are challenged in order to alter unwanted behavioral patterns. This can also be used to treat mood disorders such as depression. Medications such as anti-anxiety medication and anti-depressants are also often used to treat panic disorder and panic attacks.
It is also very important to get an accurate diagnosis from your health care provider. By learning about these disorders and discussing the possibility with your doctor, the correct measures can be taken to make sure that you are given the most accurate diagnosis and treatment possible. Many people often get misdiagnosed, which is unfortunate because panic disorder is one of the most treatable of all anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Although these disorders are life-altering and debilitating, they are treatable. Always remember to stay informed, get the correct diagnosis and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. People don’t have to live like this.
For more information you can go to Anxiety Disorders Association of America. If you are suffering from a panic attack, contact the Crisis Text Line to get help and answers from an on-call professional 24/7.