Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks. In the United States, an estimated six million adults have had panic disorder in the past year. If you or someone you love is one of them, here are some important aspects to know about the symptoms, causes, and behavioral health treatments for this common condition.

Symptoms

The hallmark of panic disorder is repeated panic attacks that tend to happen out of the blue and with no obvious trigger. Panic attacks are episodes of overwhelming anxiety and fear, often accompanied by a feeling of being out on control and/or a sense of death and doom.

Physical symptoms are common with panic attacks. This includes racing heartbeat, shaking or trembling, chills or sweating, chest pain, and dizziness. These physical symptoms can mimic a number of potentially serious health conditions, which, in turn, only increases the individual's panic and fear.

Over time, those with panic disorder tend to live in fear of having another attack. Due to the overpowering and terrifying nature of panic attacks, they may avoid places and situations where attacks have occurred in the past, in the hope of preventing another. But, while conditions can sometimes trigger attacks, in many cases there are no obvious triggers when you have panic disorder. And this too only heightens the individual's distress.

Causes

The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood. In some people, it starts with a stressful life event, like a death or a divorce. There may also be a genetic component. Another possible cause is the theory that the brain is mistakenly activating the "fight or flight" response, a survival instinct that triggers a stress response—and a flood of hormones—when the brain senses danger.

Treatment

There are a variety of behavioral health treatments that can help you manage or even recover from panic disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most successful, helping individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and learn healthy coping strategies. Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction are two other behavioral health approaches commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder.

If panic disorder becomes debilitating or otherwise interferes with one's life, medication is sometimes recommended. Certain antidepressants can be helpful for long-term treatment, as can tranquilizing medicines for short-term use in relieving panic attacks.

You don't need to deal with a panic disorder by yourself. Feinberg & Associates is here to help. With more than 25 years of experience, they serve the Lexington, KY, region. Their psychologists offer behavioral health solutions for panic and anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health challenges. Call (859) 233-3390 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to browse their treatment options.