Panic disorder can be very difficult to distinguish from other mental illnesses. However, attacks that occur with the disorder differ from other general anxieties because they last for distinct reoccurring periods of time and are more severe.
People who suffer from panic disorder who neglect treatment usually have a poor quality of life. They spend excessive amounts of money on hospital visits and health care. The result, the illness never properly gets treated and can become extremely disheartening to the affected person.
Common Symptoms of Panic Disorder
There are some common symptoms that physicians look for when trying to diagnose panic disorder. Oftentimes they are looking for symptoms such as:
- The person experiences frequent reoccurring panic attacks that are not associated with any certain situation.
- The person experiences excessive worrying about having another attack.
- The person displays avoidant behavior from places and situations.
- The person’s behavior suddenly changes.
People who experience four or more of these symptoms at the beginning of an attack are also considered to have possible panic disorder:
- sweating and shaking
- shortness of breath
- chest pains where it feels like a possible heart attack
- upset stomach or nausea
- feeling of choking
- feeling detached from reality
- fear of being out of control or dying
- tingling or numbness
- hot flashes or chills
- fast heart rate
Three Types of Panic Attacks
There are three types of panic attacks that an individual can be diagnosed with: unexpected attacks, situational bound attacks, and situational predisposed attacks.
When attacks occur without warning or any triggers these are known as unexpected attacks. This particular kind of attack makes people become “fearful of fear.” Instead of being relaxed in between possible attacks, the person with the disorder becomes anxious and tense. The results can be debilitating.
Situational bound attacks happen repeatedly and can be triggered due to just thinking about a situation or a place that make the person suffering from the disorder have an attack. An example of this is someone who may have had a panic attack in a mall recently, may begin to think about being in the mall and around the crowds. These excessive thoughts can trigger an attack without them even being there. Situational bound attacks can cause a person to become agoraphobic: someone who is housebound due to the fear of having a severe panic or anxiety attack.
The last type of panic attack is situational predisposed. These are similar to the situational bound attacks but do not always happen when triggered by a thought or sudden fear. For example, the person who is fearful of crowds may be standing in line and not experience a panic attack. However, they may be alone and away from crowds and suddenly have an attack. This can also lead to agoraphobia as well.
Self-Help Tips for Dealing with Panic Disorder
Although it is recommended that people who have panic disorder seek medical help, there are a few self-soothing techniques that can help counteract an attack.
Knowledge is power. Understanding the disorder and learning all there is to know about its effects can help relieve some distress. People can learn how to identify the sensations and symptoms as they begin to happen. Education is always a great way to help fight against panic disorder.
Many do not realize that diet has a great impact on anxiety and panic disorders. Eating healthy and being aware of what goes into the body is another great way to take preventative measures. Avoiding foods that have caffeine, alcohol, and high sugar contents will help alleviate anxiety. This can lower the amount of attacks that occur. People who smoke are also at a greater risk of having panic attacks. The stimulant that people receive from cigarettes can become triggers.
Learning how to breathe and use relaxation techniques can be an excellent source for self-soothing. Hyperventilation can bring on attacks and cause them to become more severe. Taking deep breaths helps relieve stress levels and allows a person having an attack to stay in control. Activities such as yoga, meditation, or any activity that allows the muscles to relax are other self-soothing methods. They cause the endorphins in the body to accelerate creating a joyful and peaceful sensation.
Panic disorder can be debilitating, especially if not treated properly. People who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder should seek medical help. Not only will it help them, but also the ones around them that might be feeling the effects as well.
Sources:
Panic Disorder, Healthline
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder, Mayo Clinic Staff
Kelly Boyer - Kelly Boyer has been writing articles for quite some time now. It was not until recently that she decided to try it professionally. With a ...
