Panic Disorders: A Case Study

Exposure therapy that exposes a person to panic in a controlled environment to help learn beneficial ways of coping

Hello, Michelle, while reading chapter 14, I thought that all the disorders where very interesting as well. I agree with you on how symptoms like racing heart, dizziness, breathing difficulties, sense of fear etc. are all a part of a panic disorder. For the most part I also agree that the book was somewhat consistent with the symptoms of a panic disorder because both sources stated that panic disorders are one of four principal anxiety disorders. Both sources also stated panic disorders are characterized by recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that occur suddenly & unexpectedly and due to the severity of some people’s panic disorder several attack victims may develop agoraphobia. Overall I agree with your statement Michelle except when

Panic disorder and agoraphobia are two separate disorders that often go hand in hand with each other. An individual can be diagnosed with panic disorder, but a diagnosis without agoraphobia can often take place as well. Some individuals develop symptoms of agoraphobia, but do not have the classic panic disorder symptoms, hence the reason they are both listed as separate disorders in the DSM-5. Panic disorder can be identified as “recurrent unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time four or more physical and cognitive characteristics take place (Hooley, J. 2017, pg.188).” When dealing with panic disorder it can often become debilitating, due to the fact that the individual does not know when the onset of an attack will occur. Individuals with panic disorder more commonly develop agoraphobia as a comorbid disorder, and if left untreated, can have a difficult time even leaving their home. Agoraphobia can be defined as “the individual fears or avoids

Maddy is currently suffering from Major Depressive Disorder 296.33(F33.2). Her symptoms portray a change from previous functioning. She experiences depressed mood most of the day. Her self-report of hopelessness indicates the severity of the disorder. She advises of experiencing this feeling for two years, which surpasses the time frame required for diagnosis. She also reports marked diminished interest and pleasure of almost all activities. This is indicated through Maddy’s personal account of the inability to get of bed, and partake in the normal activities she usually does. The client reports a decrease in appetite and the inability to fall asleep. She also expresses loss of energy to continue through the day. She advises of the inability to concentrate, and had a specific plan for committing suicide.

The exact definition for a panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear throughout your body. They can occur any time of the day, and also in your sleep or in a dream. It is a universal disorders, but they are different for everyone. Some of them can be more serious than others and others are just because you get stress be a small thing. Panic attacks are very scary, very awful, and very emotionally drowning.

"Panic attacks are a serious health problem in the U.S. At least 20% of adult Americans, or about 60 million people, will suffer from panic attacks at some point in their lives. About 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have full-blown panic disorder at some time in their lives, twice as often for women than men. The peak age at which people have their first panic attack (onset) is 15-19 years" (Panic Attacks, 2012). Another fact about panic is that this symptom is noticeably different from other kinds of anxiety; panic attacks are so very abrupt and frequently unexpected, appear to be unprovoked, and are frequently disabling This paper will look at what a panic attack is, what causes them, how they can be prevented and what can be done to treat them.

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which the individual experiences recurrent, sudden onsets of intense apprehension or terror, often without warning and with no specific cause. The causes of panic disorder are stress throughout your day, unrealistic, incoherent, and disturbing thoughts. Therefore, panic disorder may develop, when you try to achieve something, but at the end you failed, and also during your final exams you may develop panic disorder by thinking if you will pass it. Through the development of palpitations, extreme shortness of breath, chest pains, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a feeling of helplessness are symptoms of panic disorder. Treatment of panic disorder may apply with the use of psychotherapy, and medication. Also psychiatrist may use cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help people with panic disorder, several famous like Dan Harris (ABC News),

A mental illness is the same as a physical illness or disease; it follows a certain pattern, consists of a multitude of symptoms and has the potential to be treated. The only difference is that a mental illness affects the brain and the mind, and in today’s society, has negative connotations associated with it. Mental illness is just as biological as any physical disease, and can be just as serious and devastating to the individual. One mental illness, in particular, is believed to be very common and easily reversible: panic disorder. This illness is classified under the DSM-5 as an anxiety disorder, and it is separate from panic attacks, which by themselves are not a disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Panic attacks, are a symptom of panic disorder, and can be experienced by anyone, both those with and without the disorder. Panic disorder is a mental disease characterized by specific criteria, risk factors and etiologies particular to itself.

They may display strange behavior like fears or suspicions that do not make sense because they are unrealistic (“Mental Disorder”). They sometimes try to cope with those fears and suspicions by trying to escape or avoid certain places and activities (Shear). Avoiding the problems that panic disorder causes also may prevent them from getting treatment because they want to avoid confronting the fear and not acknowledge that they have a problem. (Shear). People that are affected may also show no desire to interact with others and are distant from close friends and family (“Mental Disorder”). Signs that panic disorder, or other mental illnesses, is developing also include quitting major activities without warning, sensitivity to hearing, and noticeable changes in sleep and hygiene patterns (“Mental Disorder”). Even though it may be hard to imagine, having many of these symptoms at once is a terrifying experience for people who are faced with panic

Have you ever thought- “Why do I feel so down?” “How can I feel happier?” “Can I control my fears?”

Ever since I was little, I never noticed how much I struggled at certain things like keeping calm before a big test or stopping myself from biting my nails while in a social setting. As I got older, the nervousness and worrying got so out of hand that my mother was becoming more concerned of my well-being, so she decided it would be best for me to visit the psychologist. As the doctor kept asking questions, most of which I hardly understood, my heart started to race and the palms of my hands began to sweat. After an hour of constant questioning and examination, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which is characterized by excessive or disproportionate anxiety about several aspects of life. The doctor also told me that

Panic disorder is a psychological condition in which the individual experiences sudden and severe symptoms of anxiety (tachycardia, sweating, tremors). This is often an out of proportion response to a non-threatening situation.

with early can lead to further problems –psychological distress. As the interpretation of which create

Steve knew that he shouldn't have left James like that, in that state; especially when he knew first hand just how alone you feel after a panic attack.

According to the DSM, the major symptoms of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia are, recurrent panic attacks and enduring anxiety about experiencing another panic attack. The individual is also anxious about going places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or where they will be unable to receive assistance in case of emergency.