Panic disorder is
different from any normal fear that an individual feels in facing a problem. Generally,
a person may have experience severe panic at least once or twice in their life
but having it more than twice can be a symptom of panic disorder.
Panic disorder is
classified as episode of fear with too much intensity that a person having it
feels like he or she is dying. The symptoms of panic disorder may appear like a
heart attack and this usually happens without any given warning.
During an attack of
panic disorder, a person may exhibit exaggerated response towards a situation
that may not really be threatening. In the end, a person who had panic disorder
may develop constant debilitating fear of anticipating another attack.
Panic disorder may
affect day to day activities and the over all quality of a person. However,
certain treatments are available to help individuals deal with the condition.
What
are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is
often related to chronic anxiety disorder. The symptoms associated with panic
disorder attack may look like another serious medical condition. It is
important that you see health care provider to make sure that your symptoms is
panic disorder. Likewise, a diagnosis will rule out other serious conditions
like heart attack.
Diagnosis will be
based depending on the following symptoms. Some of the following symptoms may
include:
·
Severe sweating
·
Excessive fear of incoming doom
·
Shaking
·
Feeling of choking
·
Pounding headache
·
May feel faint
·
Hot flashes
·
Shortness of breath
·
Stomach ache
·
Dizziness
·
Numbness in the fingers
·
Increase heart rate
·
May have hard time swallowing
·
Fear of loosing control
These symptoms can
usually strike anytime of the day and in any location. It can strike whether
you are in your office, school or at home. There is generally no symptom when
the attack might happen.
The symptoms may
last from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. After an attack, the person suffering from
panic disorder may feel lethargic.
People with panic
disorder may try to avoid the places they frequently visit to avoid an attack,
however, this is not a guarantee that an attack will not strike if you avoid
certain places.
What
are the Causes of Panic Disorder?
The exact cause of
panic disorder is relatively not known. However, there are certain factors play
an important role in the development of panic disorder. Some of these may
include:
· Genetics play an important factor.
Studies show that if one of twins have panic disorder, the another twin may
also develop panic disorder later on.
· Stressful situation is another
possible cause of panic attacks. It can worsen the severity and increase the
number of panic attacks.
· Changes in brain function may also change
the manner how the body reacts in response to danger. With panic disorder, it
is not clear why the body overreacts even if there is no imminent danger.
Risk
Factors for Panic Disorder
There are possible
factors that increase the risk of developing panic disorder. Some of the
possible risks include:
·
History of panic disorder in the
family
·
Physical or sexual abuse
·
Death of a close friend or relative
·
Stressful situations
·
Experiencing traumatic situation or accident
What
are the Panic Disorder Treatments?
Treatments of panic
disorder differ from each patient. Your doctor may recommend one type or
several type of treatments depending on your condition. Here are the possible
panic disorder treatments:
1. Oral medications
Part
of oral medications is anti depressants and mild sedatives. These medications
will lessen the symptoms related to panic attack. A healthcare provider should
properly prescribe medications because some oral medications have some risk. Do
not attempt to take them on without proper prescription.
2.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Psychodynamic
is an effective way to deal with the emotional conflict that may be behind the
panic attack. Your therapist may schedule weekly schedule to see how you cope
with your condition. The weekly visits may be reduced when your number of
attacks had lessened or finally stop.
3. Yoga
Yoga
and other relaxation techniques may help you deal in dealing with stress and
anxiety related to panic disorder.
4. Join support groups
Joining
support groups that deal with the same situation that you have may help you.
Having a support group that understands you may inspire you in coping with your
medical condition.
5. Have a good and regular sleep
Having a good and
regular sleep will help you to be more relax during the day.
6. Exercise
Exercise
can help in dealing with the stress that is related with panic disorder.
Regular exercise can also give calming effect to individuals with panic
disorder treatment
Panic
disorder treatment aims to help a person deal with the condition and with
proper treatment, individuals with panic disorder can still live a normal life.
5:28 AM
Angie
