Understand Panic Disorder in-depth
Millions of people suffer from panic disorder, a severe mental illness. The condition is marked by frequent, unplanned panic attacks - intense episodes of anxiety and discomfort lasting from minutes to several hours. The attacks can lead to anxiety, avoidance behavior and debilitating behaviors that affect an individual's daily functioning. The first step to effective management and treatment of panic disorder is understanding it. This will give hope to people living with the condition.
What is Panic Disorder?
A panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health states that it is a disorder that affects 2, 7% of Americans, and women are twice as likely to suffer from it than men. People with panic disorders experience repeated and sudden panic attacks. The attacks can be characterized by intense feelings of fear and discomfort, which peak in minutes. Symptoms include palpitations or sweating.
Individuals vary in the severity and frequency with which they experience these attacks. Some individuals may only have a few attacks, and not have another one. Others may experience several attacks each week. It is often difficult to predict the next attack, which can lead to fear and behavior changes to prevent it.
The Common Causes Of Panic Disorder
It's not known what causes panic disorder, but the cause is believed to be due to a mixture of environmental, genetic and psychological factors. Some triggers are:
- Anxiety disorders in the family
- Stressors in life that are significant, such as the death of a family member, divorce or loss of employment
- Conditions such as thyroid disease, heart disease or asthma
- Substance abuse
Certain personality traits such as being prone to negative feelings can increase your risk for panic disorder.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
Psychotherapy or medication are usually used to treat panic disorder. Treatment is tailored according to the individual's needs and symptoms. Treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioral (CBT), a form of psychotherapy, helps people understand their thought patterns and how to change them. This can help with anxiety attacks and other mental disorders.
- Medicines - Many people use antidepressants or benzodiazepines to treat symptoms.
- Changes in lifestyle - Exercise, sleep and healthy eating can reduce anxiety.
CBT is the preferred treatment for panic disorder, according to the American Psychological Association.
Views of Experts on Panic Disorder
Mental health experts say that early intervention in the management of panic disorder is essential. David Carbonell is a psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders. He stresses the importance of early recognition and professional assistance. Early treatment is often able to prevent agoraphobia, and can reduce the amount of disruption that this disorder causes.
The Anxiety Depression Association of American also highlights the fact that therapy is a great way to improve your quality of life by learning how to cope with triggers.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
There are also natural treatments and lifestyle modifications that help to manage panic disorder. These include:
- Relaxation and meditation techniques
- Exercise regularly
- Caffeine and alcohol: Avoid them
- Sleeping on a regular schedule
- Healthy Eating Habits
The following strategies will help to reduce panic attacks, and improve overall health.
A complex mental illness, panic disorder can have a significant impact on an individual's life. With early treatment and intervention, panic disorder can be managed effectively. Understanding its triggers and symptoms can help you cope with the disorder. We can better support people with panic disorder if we know more about it.
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