anxiety-attack-reliefPanic disorders are characterized by sudden intense anxiety that comes “out of the blue”. Repeated attacks of intense fear can last from seconds to hours.  These are often referred to as “panic attacks”. Generalized anxiety disorder is often accompanied by panic attacks.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks, you know how debilitating they can be.  They tend to interfere with day-to-day life and how you interact with others. The good new is: there is treatment available.

According to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-4), there are 3 types of panic attacks:

1. Un-cued Panic Attacks – these relate to spontaneous attacks that come “out of the blue” as related to Panic Disorder.

2. Cued Panic Attacks – these relate to specific attacks brought on only during certain situations as with attacks associated with Social Anxiety Disorder, OCD, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

3. Situationally Predisposed Panic Attacks – these may occur on exposure to the situational cue or trigger, but do not necessarily occur immediately after the exposure.

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Listed below are some of the most common symptoms and treatments for panic disorders.

Symptoms of Panic Disorders

There are many different symptoms of panic attacks. You may feel just a few or you may feel them all – depending on the severity of your anxiety.  Here are some of the most common symptoms of panic disorders.

  • Discomfort in chest or chest pain
  • Feelings of shortness of breath
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Fear of impending doom
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of being disconnected – unreality (depersonalization)
  • Feelings of choking
  • Fear of losing control
  • Hot or cold flashes
  • Sweating
  • Numbness of hands or feet
  • Fear of dying
  • Nausea or abdominal pain

In panic disorders, at least 4 of the above symptoms must be present during an attack.  One anxiety attack is often followed by chronic and persistent fear of having another. These attacks are different than specific phobia attacks since they come out of the blue.  They do not occur in response to thinking about, approaching, or actually entering a phobic situation.

Treatment of Panic Disorders

Luckily there are many ways to treat panic disorders.  Every person is different as to what will work best for them, but often it requires a combination of techniques.  Here are a few different ways to treat panic.

  • Medication – SSRI antidepressant medication or benzodiazepines are often prescribed but addiction to these medications is often a problem.
  • Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most common form of therapy used.
  • Relaxation Training – Abdominal breathing, meditation, visualization, and deep muscle relaxation on a daily basis is very beneficial.
  • Exercise – Daily exercise is important for treating any anxiety disorder
  • Interoceptive Desensitization – This is therapy provided by a therapist which causes the patient to experience the symptoms of a panic attack while in a controlled environment in order to desensitize patient.
  • Lifestyle Changes – Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and over the counter medications containing stimulants is important.  Alcohol should also be avoided since it changes body chemistry and can increase the likelihood of having a panic attack.

There are other ways to treat panic disorders and what works for you will depend on the severity of your condition.  The good news is that this form of anxiety is definitely treatable.  Finding the right recovery program for you is important in order to allow yourself to live a “normal” life.  After that, your panic will be a thing of the past.

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