Characteristics
Someone could be diagnosed as having a Panic Disorder if they experience spontaneous, seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly and sometimes even during sleep.
Who it affects
Typically, Panic Disorders develop in early adulthood and it is three times more common in women than in men.
This disorder often occurs alone with other mental and physical disorders including:
asthma depression irritable bowel syndrome other anxiety disorders substance abuse.
The presence of these may complicate getting a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms
A Panic Attack is defined as the abrupt onset of intense fear that reaches a peak within a few minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms:
Abdominal pain Chest pain Chills Choking feeling Diaphoresis or heavy perspiration Dizziness Dyspnea or shortness of breath Faintness Feeling like one is experiencing a heart attack Headache Heart palpitations Hot flushes Hyperventilation Lightheadedness Nausea Need to escape Sense of things being unreal or depersonalised Tightness in throat Trembling or tremors Trouble swallowing Tunnel vision A sense of impending death, danger or doom
Since many of the symptoms of Panic Disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders, people with panic disorder often make many visits to emergency rooms or doctors’ offices, convinced they have a life-threatening illness. It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis. Many people suffering from Panic Attacks don’t know they have a real and treatable disorder.
Many people don’t know that their disorder is real and highly responsive to treatment. Some are afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone, including their doctors and loved ones, about what they experience for fear of being considered a hypochondriac. Instead they suffer in silence, distancing themselves from friends, family, and others who could be helpful or supportive.
Agoraphobia
A related condition that stops some people going into situations or places in which they’ve previously had a panic attack because they anticipate it may happen again. These people have agoraphobia, and they typically avoid public places where they feel immediate escape might be difficult, such as shopping malls, public transportation, or large sports arenas. Consequently, their world becomes smaller and they are constantly on guard just waiting for the next panic attack.
Because of this, some people develop a fixed route or territory, and it may become impossible for them to travel beyond what they regard as their safety zone without suffering severe anxiety.
About one in three people with Panic Disorder develops agoraphobia
How it’s treated
Like other anxiety disorders, Panic Disorder (Panic Attack) is treatable. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective for many people, helping them to identify, understand, and modify faulty thinking and behaviour patterns. This enables people who have Panic Attacks learn to control them. Some people also take medication. Other alternative treatments may also become part of a treatment plan such as relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga and exercise. Some times other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse can accompany Panic Disorder. These co-occurring conditions must also be treated with appropriate therapies.
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