- Panic disorder, a condition that causes an individual to experience repeated panic attacks, is becoming more prevalent every day.
- Lasting between a few minutes to half an hour, these panic attacks often occur without any prior warning and can be highly disruptive.
- Not only are these attacks out of the victim's control, but they are also very unpredictable regarding the severity of symptoms.
Panic disorder, a condition that causes an individual to experience repeated panic attacks, is becoming more prevalent every day. Lasting between a few minutes to half an hour, these panic attacks often occur without any prior warning and can be highly disruptive. Not only are these attacks out of the victim’s control, but they are also very unpredictable regarding the severity of symptoms.
At present, millions of Americans are living with panic disorder, and the numbers are only going up with every passing year. The debilitating effects of this psychiatric issue can make it impossible to live normally; however, with appropriate tips and support, it is possible to make a living with panic disorder more manageable.
FAQs
Living with panic disorder is challenging. The nature of this psychiatric disorder is sporadic and may easily make one believe as if their mental and physical wellness is deteriorating at high speed. People with panic disorder can also become so burdened by their diagnosis that they withdraw from all other life activities in an attempt to avoid potential triggers. Since most panic disorder triggers involve stimuli outside the house, such as at work or grocery stores, avoiding these situations reduces the exposure of these individuals and limits their involvement in the community. While it is impossible to explain exactly how the panic disorder affects an individual’s life, those who struggle with it may feel the effects on their health and overall quality of life. Some people with this disorder find it difficult to integrate into the community, while others cannot pursue their jobs. Additionally, a panic disorder commonly impacts sleep patterns, reduces immune health, and disturbs the gastrointestinal system. (source: NIDA, n.d.)
Even though panic attacks may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, it does not lead to death. However, these attacks, especially if happening frequently, are serious and require urgent treatment.
During an active panic attack, you may feel like your breathing has become shallow, and you are slowly running out of air which may lead to more panic. To overcome this fear, experts suggest following deep breathing practices. Start by taking a deep breath through the nose, holding it in for six seconds, and slowly releasing it through the mouth. Repeat this method a few times to calm down your mind and body. (source: NIMH, n.d. (Help))
Although panic attacks may seem frightening, they are not dangerous. These attacks are not capable of causing any physical harm and are unlikely to lead to hospital admission.
The exact cause of panic attacks is highly unknown. Sometimes, it is associated with an underlying mental health condition, such as panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, etc. Persistently high levels of stress can sometimes contribute to these attacks.
