What Is Panic Disorder?
How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed and Treated; Who Gets Panic?
This article explains that highly successful people may suffer from Panic Disorder, tells how it is diagnosed and treated, and offers hope to all who suffer from anxiety.
Most people have experienced the feeling of panic at one time or another: the racing heart beat, sweaty palms, shaky legs or hands, tunnel vision, feeling an overwhelming desire to run away, or feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Panic is a normal human response to danger. It is a physiological response that is actually designed to help our bodies either fight or flee from danger. But for approximately 3 to 5% of the population this fight or flight response occurs when there is no real danger present. This condition is known as Panic Disorder.
Diagnosing Panic Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (American Psychiatric Association, 1994,) Panic Disorder is diagnosed when panic attacks reoccur unexpectedly and seemingly out of the blue, and when the attacks are followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having additional attacks. Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia is diagnosed when the person experiencing the attacks avoids places or situations that he or she believes might cause a panic attack, or places and situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack.
Who Is Affected by Panic Disorder?
Panic Disorder occurs across cultures. It affects men and women (but more women than men) from all walks of life, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. It usually first strikes in the early twenties or mid-thirties, but young and old people may also be affected.
Some people continue to function well, holding down highly responsible jobs, traveling and having an active family and social life, in spite of all of the anxiety that they feel. The toll taken by the disorder may not be obvious to the outsider though the person may be suffering very much.
Others may be forced to severely limit their lives and avoid places and situations that they fear would bring on a panic attack. Their worlds may become so limited that they are unable to even step outside their front doors.
Panic Disorder Can be Treated Successfully
Panic attacks can be a symptom of a more serious psychological condition, but those who are diagnosed simply with Panic Disorder or Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia have two excellent treatment options available to them, which can be used either individually or together.
Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications can alleviate most or all of the symptoms with few side effects. These medications help the large majority of people who take them, and can be prescribed by a family physician, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse-practitioner. In addition, Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia responds exceptionally well to a specific type of therapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy. The key to successful treatment is to find a specialist in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of Panic Disorder. Organizations like the Anxiety Disorders Association of America can help patients find a such a person.
There Is Hope for Those Who Suffer from Panic Attacks
Even if panic attacks are due to a diagnosis other than Panic Disorder, most people can, with the help of a good therapist, learn how to manage their anxiety better, and possibly to lessen the severity and frequency of panic attacks.
This article is for general information only and is not intended as a substitute for personal, medical or mental health advice. Anyone experiencing troubling symptoms should see a medical or mental health professional.
