What Is A Panic Disorder & How Do You Deal With It?

Panic disorder, also called panic attacks, is an overwhelming feeling of panic and anxiety and is considered a disorder when these feeling interfere with normal functioning.  There are many types of anxiety disorder that include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.  People with panic disorder have feeling of terror that strikes suddenly and repeatedly without warning. 

The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown, but we do know that is not the result of personal weakness, poor upbringing or a character flaw.  Science research has found these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stresses.  

Anxiety disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body.  Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control our mood.  Studies have also determined anxiety disorders are inherited and that trauma or a significant event can trigger a panic disorder. 

Anxiety disorders affect millions of adult Americans.  More women than men are affected, and occur with equal frequency in Caucasians, Hispanics and African Americans. 

Symptoms of panic disorder may include:

-         Sweating

-         Heart palpitations

-         Choking feeling

-         Chest pain which makes a person feels like they are having a heart attack

-         Feeling like you're "going crazy". 

How is Panic Disorder Diagnosed

Your physician can diagnose this disorder by asking you questions about your medical history and doing a physical examination.  They will do other various tests to determine if there is a physical reason for the panic disorder. 

There are, unfortunately, no laboratory tests to confirm panic disorder.  The physician will make his diagnosis on the intensity and duration of symptoms, including any problems of daily functioning that the symptoms can cause.  The physician then determines if the patient’s symptoms and degree of functioning indicates a specific anxiety disorder. 

If you feel that you may be suffering from a panic disorder, keep a journal of your symptoms, how long they last and how often they happen.  Your doctor can use your journal to determine your diagnoses as well as your treatment. 

Treatment for a Panic Disorder

The treatment approach depends on the type of disorder you're diagnosed with.  One or more of the therapies may be combined and be used to treat the panic disorder.  These include:

• anxiety reducing medications
• anti-depressants
• psychotherapy - a type of counseling which helps with the emotional response by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder
• cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which the patient learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to these fearful feelings 
• changes in lifestyle
• dietary improvements
• relaxation and breathing exercises

One or more of these treatments might help to relieve stress.  Panic disorders cannot be prevented, but learning techniques to relieve stress will help you to gain control over the panic attacks if or when they do occur.

Panic disorders can prevent you from living your life normally.  It can isolate you and make you feel unworthy.  You may feel like you are better off staying at home. A panic disorder has several options.  Finding the right one for you may take a while but it is worth it once you find the solution that is right for you.