Everything You Need To Know About Panic Disorder

By Chris Aniston

Panic disorder is known as anxiety disorder which is generated by frequent panic attacks. Panic disorder causes certain changes in sufferer's behavior, which could last for as long as a month coupled with the fears that another attack could occur.

Such concerns are known as anticipatory attacks. Many people think that panic disorder is the same as agoraphobia, but this is actually a misconception as both of the cases are different and people suffering from panic disorder may also undergo agoraphobia. Those who are suffering from panic disorder usually have intense episodes of anxiety, which occurs in a series during the panic attacks.

There could be some short attacks that are typically seen to last for 1 to 5 minutes, but if the attack is substantially for a longer period of time, it could last for 20 minutes and in some cases it may not abate till medical help arrives. The duration of the attack is seen to determine the nature of symptoms associated with the panic attack.

Some of the commonly observed symptoms are increased heart beat, hyperventilation, trembling and cold shivers as well as rampant fear. Some patients endure these symptoms once in every week, while there are others for whom it is a daily phenomenon.

People, who are suffering with panic disorder, often feel embarrassed and do not have a very good social life. Recently, surveys have been conducted which say that about 36% of the people, who are suffering from panic disorder, were also suffering from agoraphobia.

There are different treatments that are available to cure these panic disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered as the best treatment for panic disorder. If this therapy doesn't not show any change in the patient's condition, then the next best treatment that can be adopted is the pharmacotherapy.

In addition to regular treatments, one also has to consider emotional imbalance problems that must be treated to counter these attacks. One of the most effective means of treating panic disorder is by combining psychotherapy plus medication as it is seen to show extremely good results on the condition of the sufferer.

Sufferers of panic disorder really have an affliction, which is quite serious and severe, which has no long terms cure for it, but it can certainly be treated. Panic attacks usually occur when people are at the age of 24 years. It is also seen that in addition to treatments, patients respond very well and can get healed by acquiring support and comfort from family and friends. - 32513

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