Is What I'm Experiencing Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by disruptive physical symptoms that occur suddenly and without warning. The physical symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions. As a result, the diagnosis of panic disorder is frequently not made until extensive and costly medical procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.

While a panic attack is not dangerous, it can be terrifying, largely because the sufferer feels so out of control. Panic disorder is frightening because of the panic attacks associated with it, and also because it can so often lead to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide. Depending on the person and the individual case, the effects of panic disorder range from mild impairment to the total inability to face the outside world.

In some cases, loss or disruption of important interpersonal relationships (examples include leaving home to live on one's own, leaving school after graduating from college, and divorcing) can be associated with the onset or exacerbation of panic disorder. Feeling demoralized is a common consequence, with many individuals becoming discouraged, ashamed and unhappy about the difficulties of carrying out their normal routines. They often attribute this problem to a lack of strength or character and their feelings of demoralization can even become generalized to areas beyond their panic-related problems.

Many people with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. Fortunately, effective treatments have been developed to help people with panic disorder.

How Common Is Panic Disorder?

* About one out of 75 of the adult U.S. population ages 18 to 54--approximately 2.4 million Americans--has panic disorder in a given year.

* Women are twice as likely as men to develop panic disorder.

* Panic disorder typically strikes in young adulthood.

* Roughly half of all people who have panic disorder develop the condition before age 24.

What Causes Panic Disorder?

Physical:

The underlying cause of panic disorder is not yet clear and is the subject of ongoing research. There may be a genetic basis; if a person has a biological relative who has or has had panic disorder, they have a 4 to 7 times greater chance of developing the disorder as well.

Panic disorder could also be due to a biological malfunction, although a specific biological marker has yet to be identified.

Psychological:

Stressful life events can trigger panic disorders. Experiencing a traumatic event or suffering a significant loss or separation are commonly associated with the onset of panic disorder.

There is also an association with phobias, such as agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and with depression, alcohol problems, substance abuse, and suicide risk.

Combination of Physical and Psychological:

Physical and psychological causes of panic disorder work in tandem. Although attacks may initially come out of the blue, eventually it's possible for the sufferer to actually help bring them on by responding to physical symptoms of an attack.

One of the most frustrating things for the panic sufferer is never knowing how to isolate the different triggers of an attack. That's why the proper diagnosis, the right treatment plan, and professional monitoring is essential to relief from symptoms and recovery.

What Treatments Are Available for Panic Disorder?

Treatment for panic disorder includes medications and a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to view panic attacks differently and demonstrates ways to reduce anxiety. Appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can reduce or prevent panic attacks in 70% to 90% of people with panic disorder. Most people show significant progress after a few weeks of therapy. Relapses may occur, but they can often be effectively treated just like the initial episode.

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