You may be suffering from panic disorder if you have severe, recurrent panic attacks. Find out more about the symptoms of panic disorder and how to treat it. Show Panic (or severe anxiety) that occasionally happens when we encounter a stressful or serious event with drastic outcomes is normal. However, when a person has severe, recurrent panic attacks which cause significant impairment to his life, he may be suffering from panic disorder. Personality factors,
stressful life events, transition periods in a new environment and a past traumatic experience can increase the probability of developing panic disorder. Signs and Symptoms of Panic DisorderThe following symptoms are commonly used to diagnose panic disorder:
Sufferers often experience:
How to Treat Panic DisordersIf untreated, the panic attacks usually occur several times a week or even daily. Recurrent attacks may continue for several weeks or months and may even continue for years especially if associated with agoraphobia. During this time there may be periods of full or partial remission (i.e., with no panic attacks or only mild attacks with few symptoms). Early assessment and treatment are essential. Psychotherapy is effective in addressing panic disorder and where appropriate, antidepressants may be prescribed. People with panic disorder may need treatment for other emotional problems that may arise because of the disorder. These include clinical depression or alcohol/tranquiliser abuse which can interfere with recovery. PsychotherapyCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for panic disorder. CBT helps a person identify and reconstruct negative automatic thoughts and beliefs linked to an experience that provokes panic. Other forms of psychotherapy such as interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic therapy have also shown benefits. These therapies can help by working through conflicts in interpersonal relationships — including problems in early relationships from childhood that are affecting present relations. Relaxation techniques are useful and can be used to stop or prevent symptoms of anxiety from escalating into panic. Other forms of psychotherapy such as interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic therapy have also shown benefits. These therapies can help by working through conflicts in interpersonal relationships — including problems in early relationships from childhood that are affecting present relations. Relaxation techniques are useful and can be used to stop or prevent symptoms of
anxiety from escalating into panic. MedicationAntidepressant medicines alter the chemical imbalance in the brain, which helps to block symptoms of panic. These medicines can treat both the anxiety and depressive symptoms that may coexist in many sufferers. A combination of psychotherapy and medication can often produce good results, with noticeable improvements within six to eight weeks. Psychotherapy can improve the effectiveness of medication, help people who
have not responded to medicines, and reduce the likelihood of relapse for those who have discontinued medication. Other SupportMany sufferers will also benefit from self-help or support groups, and community resources such as available helplines. There are also many websites with useful information for people to find out more about this condition. Better awareness of this condition and professional help will enable sufferers to better deal with this illness. A healthy lifestyle including positive thinking, stress management and proper diet, is also essential for good mental health. To make an appointment to see a doctor, please call 6389 2200. What is it called when someone is nervous and experiences panic attacks?People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.
What are 3 types of panic attacks?Multidimensional scaling (MDS) of panic symptoms identified three types of panic which were consistent over time and for which reliable scales were constructed to measure derealization, cardiac panic, and respiratory panic.
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