Finding Balance for Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a disabling mental condition in which a person has repeated, unexpected panic attacks and constantly worries about having another.
Panic disorder, which usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and may last a lifetime, interferes with work and social relationships if untreated. Although panic attacks aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life, but treatment can be very effective.
RWJBarnabas Health offers comprehensive treatment options to help individuals regain balance and improve their quality of life.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder where a person experiences unexpected and repeated panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions without any real danger or apparent cause.
The condition often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and can significantly impact social relationships and work if left untreated. Some people who experience panic attacks develop panic disorder.
Panic Disorder Causes
The exact causes of panic disorders are not fully understood, but certain factors can play a role.
- Genetics. Just like other traits, panic disorders can be something that runs in families. But just because a family member has it doesn't mean you will, too — it just means you might have a higher chance.
- Brain chemistry. Dysfunction in the brain's fear-processing centers and chemical imbalances may also contribute to the development of this disorder.
- Stress. Significant changes or tough times, like moving to a new place, losing someone close, or going through a divorce, can trigger a panic attack.
- Psychological factors. The way we think about and see the world can make us more prone to panic disorders. If we often feel like situations are out of our control or dangerous, we might feel anxious more often.
Panic Disorder Symptoms
Panic attacks have frightening but not life-threatening symptoms, including the following:
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Sense of choking
- Nausea or belly pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling unreal or disconnected from oneself
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of "going crazy" or dying
- Numbness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Chest pain and other symptoms that mimic a heart attack
Often, a person having a panic attack feels that they are losing control or dying. An attack starts suddenly and may last from 5 to 20 minutes. Panic attacks usually peak about 10 minutes into an attack, and sufferers may worry about future attacks, leading to a cycle of fear and avoidance.
Panic Disorder Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by health care providers. To rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of panic disorder according to DSM-5 criteria, doctors may conduct the following:
- Discussion of health history
- A physical exam
- Blood tests
- A psychological evaluation
Early diagnosis and treatment of panic attacks can prevent other conditions linked with panic disorder, such as depression or substance abuse.
Panic Disorder Treatments
Counseling and medicines can treat panic disorder, helping to minimize or eliminate panic attacks and reduce the anxiety associated with the fear of future episodes.
Treatment options include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines.
Compassionate Care at RWJBarnabas Health
With help and treatment from the professionals within RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health facilities across New Jersey, patients can find a new balance when living with panic disorder.
Our Access Center offers 24-hour consultative mental health support. We can help you find the proper treatment close to home. Call 1-800-300-0628.