Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety where people experience sudden, intense bouts of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms, and may develop a fear of certain situations or places.

What is panic disorder?

Panic manifests as the sudden onset of intense fear, often accompanied by distressing physical symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sensations of choking or smothering, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals may believe they are at risk of death or losing control of their mind. If these panic attacks persist, they can develop into panic disorder—a form of anxiety disorder—marked by a lingering fear of associated sensations even after the attack subsides. A paramount aspect of panic disorder is the inclination to avoid situations that may trigger panic feelings, a phenomenon known as agoraphobia. The regrettable aftermath of panic episodes encompasses a heightened fear of bodily sensations and a compromised lifestyle.

Understanding anxiety symptoms is crucial, as panic attacks can be a manifestation of an anxiety disorder. Individuals experiencing panic attacks may exhibit symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and sensations of choking, all of which contribute to the anxiety attack experience. Effective anxiety treatment may involve addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying anxiety disorder. For those seeking relief from panic attack symptoms and anxiety, a comprehensive approach to anxiety treatment becomes essential.

FAQs about Panic Disorder

The prevalence of panic disorder is extremely common in adults, typically emerging in young adulthood but occurring at various life stages.

1. What happens if panic disorder is not treated?

Untreated, panic disorder can adversely impact one's quality of life, leading to avoidance behavior, increased risk of substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, limited engagement in satisfying activities, financial dependence, and fear of driving away from home. Effective treatments, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exist to eliminate symptoms and restore a fulfilling life.

2. What are causes of panic disorder?

The causes of panic disorder are not precisely known, but a mild genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders is evident. The disorder stems from a misfiring brain mechanism that triggers panic attacks, creating a false alarm sensation.

3. How to treat Panic anxiety?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven treatment for panic disorder, involves education on the disorder, cognitive restructuring to challenge and replace fearful thoughts, interoceptive exposure to gradually face panic-related sensations, and in vivo exposure to overcome avoidance behavior in feared situations. This comprehensive approach aims to break the cycle of escalating anxiety and demonstrate the non-threatening nature of panic sensations.

What to do when you're experiencing panic attack?

Recognizing the symptoms of panic attack.

Acknowledge the signs of a panic attack, which may include palpitations, perspiration, a sensation of breathlessness or smothering, light-headedness or dizziness, discomfort or queasiness in the abdomen, a fear of imminent demise, apprehension about losing control or going "crazy," and an overwhelming sense of impending danger.

Therefore, try to acknowledge and accept these sensations rather than fight them. Understanding that these feelings are not harmful, you can cultivate the ability to observe them, refraining from amplifying them by insisting that they dissipate.

"AWARE"

A: Accept the anxiety. Remember, panic attacks might be uncomfortable, but they don't last long.

W: Watch the anxiety. Picture it like it's outside of you, and observe it until it goes away.

A: Act normal. Keep doing your usual activities. Eventually, the panic will lose its grip.

R: Repeat these steps until you start feeling calm again.

E: Expect the best. The more you practice this, the quicker the panic will pass.