Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a psychological disorder that affects over 2.4 million adults in America (Web MD). More than 20 percent of U.S. hospital emergency room visits are due to panic attacks (Wallace). People diagnosed with panic experience a recurrent panic attacks on a daily, monthly, or even yearly basis. During a panic attack, a sudden, unpredictable feeling takes over the body without any reasonable cause. This is a very terrifying experience that often leaves one afraid of having another one. This can cause many people to avoid places or situations which they may think cause the actual attack.

Until one is diagnosed with panic disorder, many people end up in the emergency room thinking they are having a heart attack or some other type of serious medical problem. This is because the symptoms of a panic attack are very similar to those of a heart attack or another serious condition. These symptoms can include difficulty breathing, very fast heart rate, chest pain, intense feel of terror, dizziness or feeling faint, choking sensation, shaking, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, chills or hot flashes, and a fear that you are losing control or dying. The reason for these symptoms is because the body is using the fight or flight response. This is a response in which your body reacts very quickly when you feel in danger or threatened. Once this happens, we release adrenaline causing the fast heart rate, sweating, and so on.

The cause of panic attacks is still unknown but studies have shown that a few factors may be linked to this disorder. Family history may be a cause of these attacks along with abnormalities in the brain which can cause a chemical imbalance. Also, drug and alcohol abuse or a major life transition such as losing a loved one also may be affiliated with this disorder.

To diagnose panic disorder, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor first to rule out any physical illness you may have. Once that is out of the way, you will then be seen by a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation. You will be asked many questions regarding these attacks to find out the frequency and intensity you experience since every case is slightly different. The doctor will then determine if you are suffering from panic disorder.

There are many different options available to treat panic disorder. The two main treatments for this disorder are therapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling in which a mental health professional helps the patient understand and cope with the disorder. They can also provide strategies to help the patient deal with an attack. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that has become very successful for a sufferer of this disorder. With this therapy, a patient will learn to recognize their thoughts and behaviors and possibly even identify what it is that triggers these attacks.

Medications may also be prescribed to control panic attacks. These may include anti-depressants such as Prozac and Zoloft or an anti-anxiety medication such as Xanax or Klonopin. An anti-depressant is taken daily to build up a resistance to the symptoms of panic attacks. Anti-anxiety drugs are taken only at the onset of a panic attack or before anxiety provoking situations that one way feel nervous or worried about. The disadvantage of this type of medication is if it is not taken following the doctors directions, it may become habit-forming which could lead into more problems. One may also find that learning relaxation techniques may be helpful during an attack. Diaphragmatic breathing is a breathing exercise where you take deep breaths from the diaphragm and exhale through your nose. This exercise can be very helpful by slowing down your heart rate during a panic attack and by focusing your thoughts on breathing and away from the attack. 70 to 90 percent of all people suffering from this disorder found these treatments to be very effective. If panic disorder is left untreated, it may worsen and could eventually turn into agoraphobia and develop a fear of going to a certain place or even leaving their house.

Anyone experiencing four or more of the symptoms of panic disorder should seek medical help. Panic attacks are a very frightening experience and since there is treatment available, no one should have to suffer from them.

Andres, G. (2003). Panic disorder and agoraphobia. Retrieved October 12, 2007, from

http://www.crufad.com/self_help/agoraphobia.htm

Wallace, D. (2007). Psychodynamic psychotherapy effective for panic disorder. Retrieved October 12,

2007, from www.sciencedaily.com