Panic disorder refers to a condition where an individual is susceptible to panic attacks. Panic attacks often involve a sudden wave of fear, shock, or lack of control that engulfs an individual, even in the absence of imminent danger or harm. In addition to its emotional effects, panic attacks often cause intense physical reactions. Consequently, people diagnosed with panic disorders often tend to be anxious or worried about the likelihood of experiencing another attack such that they alter their lifestyle or daily routine. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, panic disorders typically begin in late teens or early adulthood, and women are more likely to develop panic disorders than men.
People with panic disorder are usually prone to anxiety and fear that often engulfs and overwhelms them. They also may experience the feeling of impending death. People with panic disorder often associate physical locations with the root of their attacks, so they tend to avoid places where they have suffered previous attacks. The physical symptoms of panic attacks include but are not limited to a pounding or racing heart, chills, profuse sweating, difficulty breathing, tingling or numb hands, weakness or dizziness, stomach pain and nausea, and pounding and racing heart. There are several risk factors for panic disorder. According to research, panic disorder could be hereditary. Also, research has noted that specific parts of the brain and specific biological processes play an instrumental role in determining whether a person has or will have the condition. Studies have shown that panic attacks happen when parts of the brain raise alarms that trigger the body’s survival mode and self-preservation reflexes. When panic attacks are left untreated, they tend to occur more often and degenerate into panic disorder. Similarly, when panic attacks are left untreated, they may lead to phobias or acute depression. To diagnose panic disorder, the healthcare provider might conduct a full body examination. They may also conduct a blood test to check the patient’s thyroid or other likely conditions that might be troubling the heart, as well as tests such as an EKG or ECG. The healthcare provider may also conduct a psychological evaluation where they address the patient’s symptoms, concerns, and realities. For instance, the care provider could inquire about the patient’s childhood and their family life. The care provider can then refer the patient to a mental health professional such as a clinical social worker, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. These professionals would likely adopt psychotherapy, medications, or both to address the disorder. Panic disorder is usually treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy. CBT helps patients to think more clearly and respond to stimuli more appropriately. The practitioners of CBT are of the opinion that once a patient learns how to respond differently to the dread and anxiety preceding or during a panic attack, the attacks will become less common. One popular CBT technique is exposure treatment, which gradually exposes patients to panic attack triggers and helps them to break down the misconceptions related to panic disorder. Also, healthcare providers frequently recommend medication. These drugs include antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and beta-blockers. Similarly, anti-anxiety drugs like SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and SNRIs can help alleviate the symptoms of panic disorder.
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AuthorSince 2006, Dr. Sridhar Yaratha has worked for Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia, as a forensic psychiatrist and attending physician for the men’s long-term forensic unit. Archives
January 2020
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