Panic Disorder By Neil Redfern
Panic disorder is also an anxiety disorder. Panic disorder has recurring severe panic attacks. Included in panic attacks is significant behavioral change that can last a month and ongoing worry of concern about having more attacks. Agoraphobia is the fear of having panic attacks. This is not the same as panic disorder. However, many who have panic disorder also suffer from agoraphobia.
A person who has panic disorder will have sudden and repeated attacks of fear that can last several minutes and often the symptoms will last longer. These attacks are called panic attacks. People who have a panic attack may feel fear of certain disaster or a fear of losing control. You can also have an intense physical reaction. These feelings can feel like you are having a heart attack. These attacks can happen at any time. People worry about them and fear the possibility of having another attack.
Symptoms of a panic attack are rapid heartbeat, perspiration, dizziness, dyspnea, uncontrollable fear and hyperventilation. People can have a panic attacks on a regular basis which could be daily or weekly. The negative side of a panic attack can be embarrassment and social isolation.
You will find that panic disorder is hereditary. Although this can occur in someone who has no family history. There is not a single cause of panic disorder. Bipolar disorder, alcoholism or drug abuse can cause panic disorders. Hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism and mitral valve prolapse have been shown in studies to cause a panic disorder.
Panic disorder is more common in women than men. It usually starts when people are young adults. Sometimes it starts when a person is under a lot of stress. Most people get better with treatment. Therapy can show you how to recognize and change your thinking patterns before they lead to panic. Medicines can also help.
Some more symptoms of a panic disorder:
* Pounding heart or chest pains
* Intense feeling of terror
* Sensation of choking or smothering
* Trembling or shaking
* Nausea or stomachache
* Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes
* Chills or hot flashes
* Fear of losing control or are about to die
When symptoms of a panic disorder are present, the doctor will do an evaluation including a complete medical history and physical exam. The doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms, even though, there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose panic disorder.
When there is not a physical illness found you will be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. There are specially designed interview and assessment tools that psychiatrists and psychologists use to evaluate someone for a panic disorder.
For other info or queries in regards to a a Panic Disorder please send all correspondence to Neil Redfern at www.upbeatandconfident.com