If you constantly have bouts of irrational fear and terror, heart palpitations, dizziness or a sense they are impending, then you might be suffering from a panic disorder. There are already a number of treatments for people who are experiencing frequent panic attacks but choosing the best one can be difficult, especially if you don't understand the disorder you are battling with.
Sudden panic attacks are the main symptoms of a panic disorder. Often these attacks will begin with the development of rapid heart rate, dizziness, etc.and can occur repeatedly and unexpectedly. People who suffer from panic disorder try to avoid situations that they believe which cause the attacks.
In the US, the number of people who are suffering from panic attacks seems to rapidly increase day by day. The disorder usually manifest during young adulthood but it can also affect older people and even children. People of all races are affected but a comparatively larger number of women who show symptoms of anxiety attacks panic attacks.
The initial panic attack can happen at random and without warning. It can last for several minutes or continue for a couple of hours. Initial panic attacks are caused by significant stress or major life events such as death or childbirth.
Of course the majority of people, fortunately, will not suffer a fully developed panic disorder only occasionally be subject to panic attacks of a milder nature.
What is a panic disorder?
People who are suffering from serious panic disorder experience recurring panic attacks. Commonly described as the fear or anticipatory anxiety, panic disorder can affect a person's quality of life. Once a person experiences an attack while driving a car or while riding the elevator for example, they will try to avoid the activity altogether for fear of triggering another attack.
Because of this, his or her life becomes limited. Their work can also be affected as they cannot travel alone, relationships may be marred by conflict or avoidance of them.
People who are experiencing a panic disorder can have anxiety attacks panic attacks even during sleep. The situation becomes so harrowing at times that many who have this disorder are afraid to go to sleep and that can worsen their situation.
If left untreated, panic disorder can develop into a condition known as agoraphobia. In this case, a person becomes afraid of any place or situation where escaping might be difficult or getting help might be unavailable. Most people who have agoraphobia fear being in crowds, standing in line, riding cars and even entering malls. People with agoraphobia are unable to leave home and can be seriously disabled by their condition.
Ways to treat a panic disorder
Seeking treatment for panic disorder is important not only to stop panic attacks but also to prevent the disorder from progressing. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered as the first line of defense and probably the most effective, too. In this method, patients are taught to understand the thoughts and feelings that come with attacks.
Therapists help patients recognize the first signs of an attack so they can modify their responses to them. This way, patients can have greater control over their problem.
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