panic

 
 

 
Type in your E-mail address
Choose a Newsletter(s):
Anxiety/Panic Attack Resource Site Newsletter
Journey Blends Newsletter
Manage Subscriptions
View Previous Newsletters
    

panic attacks Panic Attack Facts

                                                          panic attack You are in "Disorders"

Other pages in this section:        

Recognizing Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions. As a result, the diagnosis of panic disorder is frequently not made until extensive and costly medical procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.

Many people with panic attacks develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), effective treatments have been developed to help people with panic disorder.

How Common are Panic Attacks?

  • In a given year, 1 to 2% of the U.S. population has panic disorder.
  • Women are twice as likely as men to develop panic disorder.
  • Panic disorder typically strikes in young adulthood. Roughly half of all people who have panic disorder develop the condition before age 24.

What Causes Panic Disorder?
The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown and is the subject of intense scientific investigation. Possible causes include heredity, other biological factors, stressful life events, and overreacting to normal bodily sensations. Some research suggests panic attacks occur when a “suffocation alarm mechanism” in the brain erroneously fires, falsely reporting that death is imminent.

What Treatments Are Available for Panic Disorder?


Treatment for panic disorder includes medications and a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to view panic attacks differently and demonstrates ways to reduce anxiety. NIMH is conducting a large-scale study to evaluate the effectiveness of combining these treatments. Appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can reduce or prevent panic attacks in 70% to 90% of people with panic disorder. Most patients show significant progress after a few weeks of therapy. Relapses may occur, but they can often be effectively treated just like the initial episode.

Can People with Panic Disorder Also Have Other Physical and Emotional Illnesses?


Research shows that panic disorder can coexist with other disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. About 30% of people with panic disorder use alcohol and 17% use drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, in unsuccessful attempts to alleviate the anguish and distress caused by their condition. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of other disorders such as substance abuse or depression are important to successfully treat panic disorder. Approximately 20% of people with panic disorder attempt suicide.

It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately available. This avoidance may eventually develop into agoraphobia, an inability to go beyond known and safe surroundings because of intense fear and anxiety.

People with panic attacks may also have irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by intermittent bouts of gastrointestinal cramps and diarrhea or constipation, or a relatively minor heart problem called Mitral valve Prolapse. In fact, panic disorder often coexists with unexplained medical problems such as chest pain not associated with a heart attack or chronic fatigue.


TREAT PANIC DISORDER NATURALLY

Source: nimh.nih.gov

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ:

This web site provides general information: Do not use the information on
these pages as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a Professional
Health Care Provider. Please click here for the full disclaimer.
Please do not ask for a DIAGNOSIS or information regarding MEDICATION.
 

Fill out: Online Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires

The mission of AnxietyPanic.com is to educate patients, families, caregivers
and the community about anxiety and panic disorders in order to relieve
suffering, instill hope, and improve lives.

   

 





 



 

Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
© 1997-2007 Anxiety Panic Attack Resource Site, LLC. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.


Treatments | Disorders | Understanding | Support | Other Issues | Resources

Panic Disorder Facts|What is PD?|Find Treatment for PD|Generalized Anxiety Disorder|What is GAD?   |Find GAD Treatment|PTSD|What is PTSD?|
Find Treatment for PTSD|Phobias|Social Phobia|Specific Phobia   |Agoraphobia|OCD|What is OCD?|OCD Treatment