Things You Need To Know About Panic Disorders
Panic disorders are real problems that can affect up to 7.5% of people at any given time. This common problem has the potential to be among the most d...
Panic disorders are real problems that can affect up to 7.5% of people at any given time. This common problem has the potential to be among the most debilitating mental health disorders we know of. The severity of the panic attacks that panic disorders can cause vary from person to person. All of them have similar physical manifestations that can at times make it hard to diagnose the problem properly. However, in spite of this alarming situation, the general public tends to be unaware of some of the basic facts involving panic disorders. Presented here is some of that information that could be useful to people who have panic disorders, or that know someone who has this particular mental health problem.
The Signs:
The primary symptom of panic disorders would be the existence of periods where the patient undergoes extreme anxiety. These periods are often known as panic attacks and are easily misinterpreted as signs of someone developing an anxiety disorder. The physical symptoms can vary from person to person and, in some cases, from occurance to occurance. Heart palpitations, excessive perspiration, trembling of the extremeties, and nausea are among the physical signs of a panic attack. The frequency of these attacks can vary from patient to patient, with some experiencing attacks daily while others are less frequent.
The Chance of An Incorrect Diagnosis:
Due to the physical symptoms that panic disorders have, some people can often make the wrong assumption that it is a physical problem. There are a variety of physical problems that can cause a similar set of side effects and symptoms that are seen during panic attacks. Sometimes, the symptoms have been mistaken for a heart attack, epilepsy, or a stroke.
Possible Treatments:
Counseling has been shown to be helpful in alleviating panic disorders. Typically, psychiatric counseling is accompanied by the use of certain anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. The use of these medications can also help in cutting the connection between the panic disorders and what is causing the panic.This can help the person recover more quickly. Psychiatric counseling can also help patients adapt to a normal life, particularly if the symptoms were left untreated for an extended period.
Side Effects A Patient Might Develop:
Prolonged panic disorders can sometimes cause side effects like depression, agorphobia, and social anxiety. Since panic attacks often occur during social interactions, it can at times cause someone to develop performance anxiety or social anxiety. This is particularly true if the attacks often occur at times of great stress for the patient. Other possible reactions to these “trigger” situations can be depression and lack of confidence, as the person repeatedly fails. The presence of these side effects not only has mental effect, but can also make recovery even more difficult. Because of this, it is critical that the problem be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. By doing this, the damage it can do is kept to a minimum.
For other resources on Panic Symptoms And Their Treatment, see this site.
