Anxiety Disorders
Attention Deficit (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorders Bipolar Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Depression Eating Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Intermittent Explosive Disorder Schizophrenia Children's Issues Adolescents Issues Medications Parenting Substance Abuse Suicide Prevention Veterans |
Panic Disorder
A panic attack is one of the most distressing conditions that a person can experience, and its symptoms can closely mimic those of a heart attack. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Typically, most people who have one attack will have others thus developing a panic disorder. A panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks about which there is at least a one month persistent concern about having other panic attacks or worry about the possible implications if another panic attack occurred. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms:
The cause of most panic attacks is not clear, so treatment may be different for each person. Typically, it involves psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and/or medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation. Alternative treatments like meditation and relaxation therapy are often used to help relax the body and relieve anxiety. For more information on Panic Disorder go to: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Institute of Mental Health Anxiety Disorders Association of America National Mental Health Association American Psychological Association PsychCentral The Panic Center Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association MayoClinic.com Stopping Panic Attacks |