Signs of Panic Disorders
How to Recognize and Treat Anxiety Attacks
Panic attacks or anxiety attacks can be a terrifying part of panic disorder. Treatments of both panic attacks & panic disorder are usually necessary, and not too painful.
Treatment of a panic attack doesn't usually cost too much time or energy, and the benefits are invaluable. Panic attacks are linked to panic disorders, which are rooted in anxiety disorders. Panic attacks can be an initial sign of an anxiety disorder. Recognizing the symptoms of panic disorders should relieve you, because your feelings of anxiety have a name. When you recognize the signs of panic disorders, you're better able to treat anxiety attacks.
How panic attacks & panic disorders are related
Panic attacks are the main symptom of panic disorder. Panic disorder – panic attacks in particular– can be incredibly devastating: you feel that you'll die at any moment, lose your mind, or make a fool of yourself. A panic attack is an episode of intense fear. Some signs of a panic attack are a racing or palpitating heart, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, dizziness, nausea, and other physical symptoms are often part of panic attacks.
The fear of a panic attack can prevent you from carrying out simple daily tasks like going to the grocery store or taking a short flight.
How phobias & panic atacks are related
Phobias can grow out of panic attacks. If, for instance, you have a panic attack at the zoo, you may be more likely to develop a phobia of zoo animals, zoos, or even crowds of people. If you feel extreme anxiety on an airplane and you experience some turbulence, you may avoid all flights from then on. One sign of a phobia is irrational fears.
Other symptoms of panic attacks
Panic disorder often goes hand-in-hand with other psychological disorders, like depression, alcohol abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicidal thoughts, and even physical health complaints. Panic attacks and these disorders can create a downward spiral.
Who is at risk for panic attacks?
Over 3 million people in the U.S. struggle with panic disorder; women are twice as likely as men to experience panic attacks. Panic disorder usually starts in early adulthood, but even young children can experience panic attacks. They, like adults, avoid situations that cause anxiety and stress.
Treatment of panic attacks
Overcoming a panic disorder and panic attacks is almost always successful! The treatment of panic attacks vary from person to person: psychotherapy could work for you while a support group could be more helpful to your sister. It depends on your personality, lifestyle, and even your financial situation.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very successful in treating panic disorder. The "cognitive" part involves identifying when you're on the edge of a panic attack; the "behavior" part can involve relaxation techniques, desensitization, and breathing exercises. Panic attacks are highly treatable.
Finding a counselor or therapist you trust is crucial in dealing with panic disorder. Setting the initial meeting may be the hardest part; once you've met your counselor and begin treatment for anxiety attacks, your life will be more enjoyable.
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