A panic disorder is a debilitating condition characterized by recurring panic attacks, leading to increased fear and anxiety about the potential occurrence of future panic attacks. While many people suffer from occasional, mild episodes of heightened anxiety, those who suffer from repeated panic attacks often live in a constant state of fear, worrying about when and where the next attack may strike.
Left untreated, a panic disorder can progressively worsen over time, with sufferers experiencing both an increase in the frequency and severity of their symptoms.
Symptoms
Panic attacks strike suddenly and without warning, resulting in numerous uncontrollable physical and emotional changes that are truly frightening. These physical symptoms are very real and can include:
-An elevated or 'racing' heart rate.
-The sensation of being choked or swelling in the airway.
-Sudden nausea, vertigo or dizziness.
-Uncontrollable shaking and body tremors.
-Profuse sweating, particularly on the palms, face and neck.
-A tingling sensation in the extremities.
-Hot flashes and flushes.
-Chills and numbness throughout the fingers and toes.
Because many of these symptoms mimic a cardiac event such as a heart attack, some people genuinely believe they are going to die during the attack, adding to the intensity and terror they feel.
In addition to the physiological signs and symptoms, many sufferers report a sudden, overwhelming sense of impending doom and/or a fear of dying during the attack. Others have expressed that they experience a sense of detachment from their bodies during the attack, leading them to feel like they are 'going crazy'.
If you have had four or more of the above symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. A licensed psychotherapist or doctor who specializes in anxiety treatment can assess your condition, providing you with a personalized plan to address your specific needs.
How Common Are Panic Disorders?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, each year about six million American adults experience one or more panic attacks. Women are twice as likely as men to experience recurrent panic attacks, with many people experiencing their first attack as a young adult.
Often people feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment, leading them to suffer in silence. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs in an effort to cope with their fear and anxiety, leading to further disturbances to their health and interpersonal relationships.
While there is no known cause of panic disorders, researchers suspect that genetics may play a role in how people deal with anxiety. Having a family history of can increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety attacks, as can a stressful event or experience. Some women have reported an increase in the occurrence of anxiety attacks during while in the pre-menstrual phase of their monthly cycle, suggesting a hormonal connection, while others develop panic disorders following a traumatic event such as a automobile crash or the death of a loved one.
For some people, panic attacks are triggered by stimulants like caffeine, sugar and some over-the-counter medications, whereas others experience severe anxiety symptoms while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
Drug-Free Treatment Options
Most people with panic disorders respond well to short-term cognitive and behavioral anxiety treatments that focus on understanding the disorder, identifying individual triggers and learning relaxation techniques to help prevent attacks. While some people will require pharmaceutic support to address their anxiety issues, the vast majority of patients with panic disorders can be successfully treated without the use of prescription medications.
Patients with anxiety disorders often respond well to hypnotherapy, a safe, short-term, drug-free therapy that is conducted by a certified, experienced therapist in a clinical setting. Hypnotherapy is used in combination with cognitive (talk) therapy to help patients address subconscious triggers and underlying issues that contribute to their panic attacks. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, hypnotherapy is a powerful therapeutic tool that can provide quick and lasting results for many people who suffer from panic attacks.
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