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Panic Disorder: Symptoms And Analysis

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Panic disorder is a type of extreme anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and the persistent fear of future attacks. Panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, which is defined as “extreme fear of situations involving public transportation, open spaces, or other public settings” (Licht, Hull, & Ballantyne, 2014, p. 556). According to the American Psychology Association (2015), approximately one out of every 75 people suffer from panic disorder, with onset usually occurring during the teen years to early adulthood. Rarely, onset may occur over the age of 40. Panic disorder is also more common in women than men.
Causes of Panic Disorder
There is no definitive reason why some people suffer from panic disorder …show more content…

A panic attack is an episode of extreme and unreasonable fear accompanied by a wide variety of physical symptoms. These attacks can occur anytime, even while asleep, with or without stimuli. They usually occur without warning. R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D. (1996) states that “a panic attack causes the fastest and most complex reaction known within the human body” (p. 5). He goes on to say that a panic attack “immediately alters the functioning of the eyes, several major glands, the brain, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, pancreas, kidneys and bladder, and the major muscle groups” (p. 5). Some of the most common physical symptoms include increased heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes or chills, trembling, and tingling in the extremities. These symptoms resemble the body’s natural “fight or flight” response experienced in dangerous situations (“Answers,” 2015). Additional symptoms may include tightness in the throat, hyperventilation, stomach butterflies, tension in the muscles of the shoulders and neck, and weakness in the muscles of the arms and legs. A panic attack usually lasts only a few minutes, however repeated attacks can continue for a period of hours (“Answers,” 2015). Sufferers are often physically exhausted after an …show more content…

Therefore, treatments differ from person to person. According to Psychology Today, “appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can reduce or prevent panic attacks in 70 to 90 percent of people with the disorder” (“Panic Disorder,” 2014). Most often, panic disorder is treated with medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. There are many types of medications used to treat panic disorder, including benzodiazepines, an anti-anxiety medication, and antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to discern the cause of panic, help panic sufferers overcome their fears, and change their reactions to anxious situations. Other treatments such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, positive visualization, and meditation are often

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