Panic is real. Panic Disorder is considered to be an illness. A panic attack is very painful and feelings of depression and helplessness may be experienced.
If you have some of these symptoms, you may have a panic disorder. If you have a Panic disorder, you can suddenly feel terrified for no reason at all. If these symptoms, or sudden bursts of terror become frequent, it is called a Panic Attack. Panic Disorder can be treated with medicine, or therapy, or maybe both.
Typically, the first panic attack seems to come “out of nowhere,” occurring usually while a person is doing a seemingly ordinary activity. Suddenly, the person is struck by very frightening and uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms often include a feeling of terror, a sense of unreality, or a fear of losing control.
Call to Speak to a Specialist
Call 1-888-439-4499 any time to discuss treatment options if you or a loved one has a problem with anxiety.
Sometimes people who have never had a panic attack assume that panic is just a matter of feeling nervous or anxious. Even though people who have panic attacks might not show any signs of it on the outside, the feelings they experience are so overwhelming and terrifying that they really believe they are going to die, or lose their minds. These feelings are very much real to the person who is suffering a panic attack.
After the end of the panic attack, there is always the uncertainty, "When will this happen to me again?" Some people become so frightened of having another panic attack, they avoid going places, and find a safe place to be. Once this happens, the beginning of other anxiety disorders can occur. For instance, depression and agorabhobia. Some feel that they are going to lose control of themselves and will do something embarrassing in front of other people.
What makes panic attacks even more frightening is the fact they can come on at anytime or place without any warning. For instance, while shopping, traveling, or being in large crowds can trigger a panic attack. I read a story of one woman whom one day had a sudden burst of panic. She stated she came home from work, sat down to watch tv, and boom, in an instance, panic had hit her. This would be just the beginning of her struggle with Panic Disorder.
The end result usually leaves you in a situation where you may live in constant fear of another attack. You may then try to stay away from places, or situations where you have had panic attacks in the past. For some individuals this can take over their lives, and they are unable to leave their home.
Panic attacks usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Some symptoms can last longer.
Panic attacks in most cases start in people ages 18-24, but can affect people of all ages.
A panic disorder can affect anyone. However, more women then men have this illness. Panic disorder could also run in families, but there is still an open discussion if genetics are a factor in someone having this illness.
You could be affected by Panic disorder for a short period of time, maybe a few months, or it could last for years. Please know that you are not alone. Millions of people suffer every day with this disorder.
If you think you may have Panic Disorder you should visit your doctor, or other health care provider right away, so you can plan a treatment.
Below is a 3 part video series that you may find helpful about panic disorder.
For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
The terms panic attack and anxiety attack are used interchangeably by most people, but are panic and anxiety really the same thing?
Panic
Panic attack is the official term used in the DSM-IV-TR t…
Everyone suffers symptoms of anxiety now and then, and for many people anxiety is a chronic problem. But not all who suffer from anxiety experience full-blown anxiety attacks. If you have never experi…
Although people typically think of anxiety as a mental condition, it causes a number of physical symptoms. Severe anxiety, particularly panic attacks, causes many people to wonder whether they are hav…
As anyone who has experienced one knows, anxiety attacks are very frightening episodes of intense fear or panic. In addition to the severe physical and psychological symptoms that accompany the attack…
The information provided on livingwithanxiety.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of Llivingwithanxiety.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
LivingWithAnxiety.com Social
More Information
SupportGroups.com
SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those dealing with cancer and other life's challenges. Click on the following links to get the support in a confidential, caring environment.
Follow LivingWithAnxiety.com on:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Share on:
Reddit
StumbleUpon