What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a mental health issue involving recurring, unexpected panic attacks, affecting roughly 2.7% of US adults. The impact of these symptoms can cause significant distress and alter life patterns.
The frequency and severity of panic attacks can vary greatly between individuals. Besides panic attacks, people with panic disorder often worry about future panic attacks and the symptoms experienced during them, like chest pain and feelings of detachment or unreality.
Those affected may modify their daily routines to avert panic attacks, potentially avoiding people, places, or situations believed to trigger these episodes. The symptoms of panic disorder aren’t caused by other medical or mental health conditions or substance abuse.
A panic attack is an intense fear or discomfort surge, peaking within minutes and manifesting various symptoms. The American Psychological Association lists potential symptoms as:
- Heart palpitations or rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or smothering feelings
- Choking sensation
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or fainting
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feeling detached from oneself or experiencing unreality
- Fears of losing control, going mad, or dying
Causes and Risk Factors
Typically, panic disorder symptoms start between ages 20-24. Those prone to negative emotions or worry about anxiety’s harmful effects, those with prior sub-threshold panic experiences, individuals with a history of childhood abuse, smokers, and those with respiratory illnesses are at higher risk. Identifiable stressors like relationship issues or health concerns often precede symptoms. Children of parents with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorders are also at increased risk of developing panic disorder.
How We Treat
Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery is a group of outpatient therapists based in New Jersey, Florida, and Maryland, offering services for mental health issues, including panic disorder. Our team, proficient in various treatments like DBT, CBT, CBT-E, Family-Based Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapies, tailors the therapy to individual needs. If you’re grappling with panic attacks and require treatment, reach out to learn how we can assist you.
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