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UNDERSTANDING PANIC DISORDER
Author : Kubisiak Hase
Submitted : 2011-12-20 21:35:33 Word Count : 870 Popularity: 0
Tags: anxiety attack, Panic, panic disorder, depression, depression symptome, health care provide, treatment, afraid, extreme panic, stress, disablying problems, treatment, seeking treatment, persisten anxiety attacks, inability to sleep, hopelessness
Panic disorder affects millions of adults every year and can be a potentially debilitating illness. If left untreated, it can lead to other problems such as social anxiety and depression symptoms. However, treatments are available to help reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of panic disorder, social anxiety and depression symptoms to help those suffering from the condition to lead a healthy and normal life.
So what is panic disorder? The condition is characterized by recurring panic attacks that occur without any warning. A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of fear or terror and occurs when there appears to be no danger actually present. Typically, the individual is going about their regular activities such as shopping or even just sitting on the couch watching television. The attack can last for a few minutes or as long as thirty minutes. The symptoms include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, disorientation and chest pain. It can be a very frightening experience and when it occurs, many people are certain they are suffering from a medical emergency.
Anxiety attacks and panic attacks are often used in the same connotation but there are some differences between them that are important to note. Anxiety can be defined as excessive worry over something going on in your life or something that is going to happen. While a panic attack is sudden and extreme and usually subsides quickly, anxiety attacks can become more persistent and long lasting over time. They exhibit some of the same symptoms as panic attacks, such as shortness of breath and increased pulse rate but they are typically less intense. If anxiety attacks are not treated, they could lead to panic attacks and panic disorder.
Because the symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic disorder are so disabling, they can lead to other problems if individuals do not seek treatment. Persistent anxiety attacks and panic attacks could lead to social anxiety and depression symptoms. Social anxiety is the fear of social situations and interacting with other people. The individual fears being judged negatively by others and has a sense of not being good enough or not fitting in. You may develop social anxiety due to the unexpected onset of panic or anxiety attacks. Some individuals may become housebound because of anxiety attacks and may develop depression symptoms. Such depression symptoms include loss of interest in daily activities, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, trouble concentrating and a feeling of hopelessness and impending doom.
If you have been diagnosed with panic disorder, social anxiety or depression symptoms, there are many treatment options available. Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed, even if you are not suffering from depression symptoms, as anti-depressants are known to inhibit panic and anxiety attacks. Psychotherapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is also an effective treatment. There are different techniques depending on whether you suffer from anxiety attacks, panic attacks or social anxiety.
Being diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorder does not mean you cannot lead a normal life. If you are experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, social anxiety or depression symptoms, see your health care provider immediately. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you will find relief and regain control of your life.
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