The Symptoms of Panic Disorder

The Symptoms of Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Symptoms Print The Symptoms of Panic Disorder By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 25, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Istockphoto.com/Stock Photo ©Highwaystarz-Photography More in Panic Disorder Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Panic Attacks Agoraphobia Treatment Options for Panic Disorder View All Back To Top Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by fear and worry. One of the most salient symptoms is the experience of persistent and often unanticipated panic attacks. Panic attacks are typically experienced through a combination of frightening physical sensations and distressing thoughts and emotions. These attacks bring on severe apprehension and discomfort, despite a lack of actual threat or danger.?? Panic disorder is diagnosed as occurring with or without agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves a fear of having one of these intense panic attacks in a place or situation where it would be very difficult or embarrassing to escape.?? Often times, the fear associated with agoraphobia can lead to many avoidance behaviors. By limiting one’s ability to be in certain situations, people with agoraphobia often experience feelings of loneliness as well as overall diminished quality of life. Below we will discuss panic attacks which are the main feature of panic disorder. Panic disorder may occur with or without agoraphobia, and the symptoms of agoraphobia will also be discussed. We will also talk about some of the treatments for panic disorder, and the importance of getting help if you suffer these symptoms. Panic Attacks The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders is the handbook used by mental health specialists for diagnostic purposes. Professionals who treat panic disorder use the criteria set forth in the DSM-5 to determine a person’s diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria for panic attacks are outlined in the manual. Panic attacks, as part of panic disorder, include four or more of the following symptoms:?? Heart palpitations or an accelerated heart rate (pulse)Excessive sweatingTrembling or shakingShortness of breathFeeling of chokingChest painNausea or abdominal painFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintDerealization or depersonalizationFear of losing control or going crazyFear of dyingFeelings of numbness or tingling sensationsChills or hot flashes The symptoms of panic attacks typically occur spontaneously and peak within the first 10 minutes before gradually subsiding. However, these symptoms have the potential to last longer. Additionally, numerous panic attacks can occur one after the other, making it difficult to fully recognize when one attack has ended and another one has begun.?? The fact that many of these symptoms occur spontaneously does not mean that they were not at all expected. There are two separately defined types of panic attacks depending on just this factor: Unexpected panic attacks occur without any obvious trigger or cause. They can come on seemingly out of the blue even when you are relaxed and resting.Expected panic attacks are those which occur when you are exposed to one of your triggers. For example, if you have a fear of flying you may have a panic attack when you board a plane. Agoraphobia Approximately one-third of people with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia are afraid that they will have some anxiety symptoms or a full-blown panic attack in a place where it would be very challenging or embarrassing for them to flee. This condition can lead to avoidance behaviors, in which they try to stay away from all places or situations in which they may have a panic attack. The avoidance behaviors associated with agoraphobia can greatly restrict a person’s life. People with agoraphobia often develop groups of feared situations that are related. For example, many people with agoraphobia become extremely upset and uncomfortable in areas where there are many people in a confined space. This fear may limit them from standing in line at a store, going to a movie theater, or traveling on an airplane. Other commonly feared situations for people with agoraphobia include forms of travel, being alone, and open spaces. These fears may result in an inability to even leave their homes. While many people with agoraphobia can face their feared situations, it involves intense stress and anxiety. The symptoms of agoraphobia often limit the person’s day-to-day functioning and restrict where they can work, shop, or travel. Treatment Options for Panic Disorder Panic disorder is a condition that causes many disturbing mental, physical, and emotional symptoms. Despite these intense symptoms, panic disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia are all treatable conditions. Given that agoraphobia typically develops early in the course of panic disorder, it is important to seek out help early on. However, treatment can provide much improvement, even for those with long-term symptoms. There are several effective treatment options for panic disorder. These include:?? Medications for panic disorder can assist with reducing the severity of panic attacks and reducing the feelings of anxiety.Psychotherapy can aid in developing new ways of thinking and behaving that can help a person cope with her symptomsRelaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and visualization, which can offer strategies to overcome panic attacks and help with anxiety overall.Good self-careâ€"Taking care of yourself such as with exercise, eating well, and managing your sleep habits can also go along with helping you cope with panic disorder. Find Support With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs A Word From Verywell Panic disorder can greatly impact a persons quality of life, limiting your life, and causing you to miss out on many things, including anything beyond your door. That said, there are many effective treatments and strategies which can help people overcome panic attacks. You can learn to manage the symptoms of panic disorder and regain control over your life.