What is panic disorder?

A health article about panic disorder from Mental Health Problemsdealing with Health Problems & nutritional Self Care Strategies

Panic disorder is an illness where a person experiences panic attacks in situations where most people would not be afraid. Panic disorder is a dysfunction of the normal panic/anxiety reaction that would occur if you were in actual danger.

Panic attacks occur when the body gives off the same distress signals, as when a person is faced with a life-threatening or dangerous event, yet no such trigger is present.

This means that a person may be sleeping, relaxing or just going about their daily business, when they suddenly feel some or all of the symptoms of a panic attack.

These include: chest pain, trembling legs, the person feeling they are going crazy or that they are about to have a heart attack.

Physical symptoms of panic attack include:

• Breathing difficulties

• Heart palpitations

• Chest pains

• Feelings of choking

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Trembling, weakness

• Fear of dying, losing control or going crazy

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Hot and cold flushes

• Feelings of unreality

• Tingling

Panic attacks are described as a terrifying experience. Feelings of apprehension, fear that something really terrible is happening may also be present. Individuals with panic disorder often display characteristic concerns about the implication or consequences of the panic attacks. For example, that a panic attack may signify a major illness, or that the person is losing control or going crazy.

Panic disorder typically begins between late adolescence and the mid-thirties. The frequency and duration of panic attacks vary widely. Some individuals have moderately frequent attacks (e.g. once a week) that occur regularly for months at a time.

Others experience short bursts of more frequent attacks (e.g. daily for a week) separated by weeks or months without any attacks. Panic disorder may also co-exist with depression, generalised anxiety disorder and personality disorders.

Panic disorder can occur with or without agoraphobia. Some people with agoraphobia do not have panic attacks, and many people with panic disorder do not develop agoraphobia. But large numbers suffer from both.

Certain illegal drugs, such as marijuana, and other substances, such as caffeine, can trigger panic attacks as can fear of a specific object or social situation.

Panic disorder is an illness where a person experiences panic attacks in situations where most people would not be afraid. Panic disorder is a dysfunction of the normal panic/anxiety reaction that would occur if you were in actual danger. Panic Disorder is one of the anxiety disorders.

Panic attacks occur when the body gives off the same distress signals that occur when a person is faced with a life threatening or similar event yet no such trigger is present.

This means that a person may be sleeping, relaxing or just going about their daily business when they suddenly feel some or all of the symptoms of a panic attack including- chest pain, trembling legs the person may feel they are going crazy or that they are about to have a heart attack.

TREATMENT

A psychologist or other mental health professional is able to make an assessment regarding your anxiety and /or panic disorder and either treat it or inform you regarding the options available for treatment.

Panic Disorder is highly treatable and most people who seek treatment will resume normal activities within a couple of months although for some it may take longer. Medication is also available and this is best used in conjunction with therapy.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

• Anxiety Disorders Alliance on 02 9570 4126 or 1800 626 077

• General Practitioner

• Community Health Centre (see listing in the White Pages)

• Australian Psychological Society (APS) 1800 333 497 for a referral to a psychologist in your area.

• Mental Health Information Service (02) 9816 5688 or toll free1800 674 200 (Outside Sydney metro) for referral to services in your area.

Disclaimer

The information provided is to be used for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health Association NSW. This, and other fact sheets are available for download from www.mentalhealth.asn.au. This fact sheet was last updated in Autumn, 2002.

to “Your Health Success”
our monthly F’R’E’E’ Newsletter

============================================================================
SITE DISCLAIMER: Do these products “cure” anything? Of course not… but it stands to reason that if you cleanse your body and feed it the finest nutrition available, giving it everything it needs in balance, on a daily basis, that your body will do what nature intended, and give you the best possible chance to fend off sickness and disease. This panic disorder information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The panic disorder content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any panic disorder questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
The panic disorder resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify panic disorder information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the web site panic disorder subject matter herein. The site panic disorder contents are solely the opinion of the authors and should not be considered as a form of advice, direction and/or recommendation of any kind. If expert advice or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any panic disorder products or services mentioned, or any techniques or panic disorder practices described.
The purchaser or reader of thi panic disorder s publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Neither the author nor the Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these panic disorder materials. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
============================================================================

Back to Top of page