Panic Disorder
Understanding Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks can be frightening and overwhelming, often causing intense physical and emotional reactions. A diagnosis of panic disorder involves experiencing at least one panic attack, followed by at least one month of persistent concern or worry about having additional attacks, concern about the implications or consequences of the attack, and/or significant changes in behavior related to the attacks. These symptoms must result in a high level of distress or impairment in functioning, whether in social, occupational, or other important areas of life.
Who is affected by Panic Disorder?
Millions of people are affected by panic disorders. 6 million adults (about 2.7% of the U.S. population) are affected by this condition.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes, even in the absence of apparent danger or triggers. It's important to note that experiencing a panic attack doesn't necessarily mean one has panic disorder.
Physical Symptoms
Other Common Symptoms
Common Signs
Those diagnosed with panic disorder often experience anxiety about future attacks and may alter their behavior to avoid situations they associate with these episodes. The frequency of panic attacks can vary greatly, ranging from multiple occurrences daily to only a few instances per year.
Common Disorders That Coexist with Panic Disorder
Panic disorder rarely exists in isolation. Many individuals who experience panic attacks also struggle with other mental health challenges. This interconnected nature of anxiety disorders can make diagnosis and treatment more complex. Below are several conditions that frequently accompany panic disorder, illustrating the multifaceted nature of anxiety-related mental health issues:
- Excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures
- Reluctance to be alone or sleep away from home
- Nightmares about separation
- Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, and muscle tension
- Fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult
- Avoidance of public spaces, crowds, or travel
- Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others
- Avoidance of social interactions or extreme discomfort in them
Intense fear of particular objects or situations (e.g., heights, animals)
This form of OCD is the feeling of just not feeling aligned or centered.
Obsessions:
- An excessive preoccupation with symmetry, order and having a "perfect" appearance
- Feeling an intense need to redo routine actions a specific number of times until it feels "just right"
- Fixating on minor details being misaligned or out of their proper arrangement
Common Compulsions:
- Meticulously arranging and rearranging items to achieve a subjective sense of completeness
- Repeating behaviors like checking locks, straightening items, or grooming routines until it feels perfect
- Avoiding situations where they cannot keep their environment or actions in strict order
Persistent sad mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite
Anxiety and flashbacks related to a traumatic event
Excessive worry about having a serious illness
Panic Disorder Treatment
A Panic Disorder are a treatable condition, and even severe cases can be effectively managed with the right professional care. Mental health experts utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help treat panic disorders.
Psychotherapy
Specific forms of psychotherapy have proven highly effective for OCD. The most widely used approaches include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Interoceptive Exposures.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy stands out as an highly effective approach for gaining control over the persistent and intrusive symptoms. CBT equips individuals with powerful coping strategies to keep anxiety in check throughout their lives. A core component is an emphasis on mindfulness-based techniques.
Through CBT, one learns to identify and challenge the irrational, catastrophic thinking patterns that fuels excessive anxiety. Distorted thoughts are systematically restructured into more balanced, reasonable perspectives grounded in reality. CBT also cultivates mindfulness skills to tolerate uncomfortable anxiety sensations without fueling them through avoidance or distress.
Interoceptive Exposures
Interoceptive exposure is a type of therapy that can be highly effective in treating panic and anxiety disorders, as well as specific phobias. This approach involves the planned and predictable confrontation of the individual's feared object or situation by intentionally exposing them to the bodily sensations they typically experience during these episodes.
Through this exposure, clients learn that while these sensations may be uncomfortable, they are ultimately not harmful. This technique is particularly beneficial for those who fear the physical sensations associated with their panic, anxiety, or phobia more than the mental or emotional aspects.
A crucial component of interoceptive exposure therapy is helping clients understand whether their fear of these physical sensations contributes to their overall phobia. By addressing and reducing this fear, individuals can experience significant relief from their symptoms.