The basics on panic
If you've been diagnosed with panic disorder, you may be wondering how your treatment provider came to that conclusion. Or maybe you haven't talked to a health professional yet, but you're sure you've been having panic attacks and you'd like to find out exactly what a panic attack is. Or maybe you know someone with panic disorder, and you'd like to understand. The Anxiety Disorders
Panic disorder is one of several anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric disorders. In the United States alone, 23 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. The anxiety disorders include agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by repeated but unexpected panic attacks along with ongoing anxiety about having panic attacks and what additional problems the attacks might cause. Without the panic attack, there is no panic disorder, so it's first necessary to understand the symptoms of a panic attack.
The symptoms below are from the DSM-IV, but in parentheses are similar symptoms described by people with panic disorder:
* Palpitations, pounding heart, or fast heart rate (may also feel like heart flutters or skipped beats)
* Sweating
* Trembling or shaking (may also feel like jitteriness)
* Shortness of breath or smothering sensations (may also feel like difficulty breathing or taking in a full breath)
* Choking feelings (may also feel like a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing)
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Nausea or abdominal distress
* Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadness, faintness (may feel like you're going to pass out)
* Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (a feeling of being detached from oneself)
* Fear of going crazy or losing control
* Fear of dying
* Numbness or tingling sensations (also known as "paresthesias," this may be described as "pins and needles" and may be felt in various parts of the body, most notably extremities such as the hands and feet but the lips and face are common areas as well.)
* Chills or hot flushes
Tips for Living With Panic Disorder
The goal for the treatment of panic disorder is the elimination of panic attacks and related symptoms. While you are in the process of recovery, there are many changes you can make in your lifestyle to help with the treatment process. These changes can help reduce and even eliminate panic attacks, and may even prevent them from returning in the future.
Work With Your Doctor(s) and Therapist
Change Stressful Areas of Your Life
Manage Stress
Create a Support System ( A good support system is important when recovering from panic disorder. No one person should be your only source of support; relying on one person is not good for that person, and it may hurt your relationship with that person. A support system may consist of family, friends, support groups, and your health care team. Each person in your support system plays a different role. Understand your needs when creating a support system, and be open about how each person can help you. )
Be Prepared to Manage Panic Attacks
Eat Well and Exercise ( Certain foods and substances may trigger panic attacks or may make a person more susceptible to them, including alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.)
Get Enough Sleep
Practice Relaxation Daily
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health. "Anxiety Disorders." 26 June 2006. 14 June 2007.