Symptoms
Panic disorder
is a common anxiety disorder
characterized by having a fear of panic attacks, or a fear of one's
bodily sensations. Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear or
discomfort that may come out of the blue or for no apparent reason.
Oftentimes, individuals with panic disorder avoid places or activities
that might lead to panic attacks (agoraphobia). Individuals with Panic
Disorder regularly suffer intense episodes of anxiety, known as panic
attacks. They worry a lot about having more attacks, or about what the
attacks imply or might cause, or have made changes to their behaviors
because of the events.
Panic Attacks
These intense anxiety attacks include the following symptoms:
·
shortness of breath
·
increased heart rate
·
trembling
·
dizziness
·
chest pain
·
sweating
·
hot flashes
·
headache
·
feelings of unreality
·
tingling sensations
·
breathing faster than necessary
·
nausea
·
vertigo
·
lightheadedness
·
burning sensations
·
choking sensations
·
fear of dying
·
fear of insanity
Agoraphobia
Panic Disorder is diagnosed as being with or without agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is a disorder in which a person becomes anxious in and
therefore begins to avoid situations from which escape might be
difficult or help might be unavailable in the event of a panic attack.
These situations often include unfamiliar environments or situations
where the person feels a loss of control, such as crowds, open spaces,
bridges, and public transportation. This anxiety is often increased by a
fear of embarrassment, as the person fears suffering a panic attack and
showing distress in public. About one of every three people with Panic
Disorder develops agoraphobia.
Agoraphobics may experience panic attacks in the situations where they
feel trapped, insecure, out of control, or too far from their comfort
zone. In very severe cases, an agoraphobic may confine themselves to
their home. These people may live for years without leaving their homes,
while happily seeing visitors and working from their personal safety
zones.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
Therapy for panic disorder
(PD) at Tampa Psychology Center focuses on
education about panic, anxiety management techniques, exposure to feared
sensations and situations, and techniques to challenge unhelpful
thoughts and beliefs.