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What
is Panic Disorder?
APA Let's Talk About... Series
Panic disorder is much more than getting sweaty palms
or butterflies in the stomach before giving a speech. It is
a serious and potentially debilitating illness that causes
many people to withdraw from life into the shelter of their
homes.
People with panic disorder have sudden, repeated episodes
of severe terror or panic. These feelings may be associated
with certain commonplaces or events, such as going to the
supermarket or a movie, or they may strike randomly. Although
severe and intense, most panic attacks last fewer than 10
minutes and sometimes only a few minutes.
WHAT
ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PANIC DISORDER?
Symptoms of a panic attack differ from person to person. Some
people have primarily physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations
or dizziness, while others are overwhelmed more by fear or
the feeling of "losing one's mind." Common symptoms
psychiatrists recognize when diagnosing panic disorder include:
-
Sweating
- Shortness
of breath
- Heart
beating very rapidly
- Chest
pain
- Feeling
unsteady
- Choking
or smothering sensations
- Numbness
or tingling
- Hot
or cold flashes
- Feeling
faint
- Trembling
or shaking
- Nausea
or stomach pains
- Feelings
of unreality
- Fear
of losing control, dying or "going crazy"
Most people who have experienced panic attacks live in constant
fear of having another attack. People who have this fear may
refuse to leave home without a trusted companion, and they
may avoid certain places or situations. Often a second condition,
called agoraphobia, accompanies panic disorder.
People with agoraphobia fear and avoid confined places --
such as subways, stores and elevators -- from which escape
is difficult or where help may not be immediately available
if they have a panic attack.
Substance abuse and depression are common complications of
panic disorder.
HOW
IS PANIC DISORDER TREATED?
Treatment for panic disorder includes both medication and
psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a series of private
talks with a psychiatrist where a person discusses the feelings,
thoughts and behavior that cause difficulty. A psychiatrist
also can recognize other mental and medical problems. The
goal of psychotherapy is to help people understand and master
their problems so they can function better. During psychotherapy,
a psychiatrist can help people with panic disorder identify
early warning signs of a panic attack and learn to manage
them. Also, psychotherapy often helps people with panic disorder
recognize and resolve inner emotional conflicts they had not
realized were troubling them. Certain thought and breathing
exercises also can help people work through panic attacks
so they pass quickly or their intensity decreases.
Different types of medications have been highly effective
in reducing panic attacks and minimizing anxiety about future
attacks. Psychotherapy combined with medication helps most
people with panic disorder. For some people, long-term treatment
is necessary. With the right help, most people with panic
disorder can lead normal, healthy lives.
FIND
MORE INFORMATION…
©
Copyright 2001 Medem™, Inc. and the American Psychiatric
Association
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