Panic Disorder
At least 1.6 percent of adult Americans, or 3 million people, will have panic disorder at some time in their lives. Panic disorder is a serious health problem and is very different from other types of anxiety. Panic attacks are sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling. If you have panic disorder, you may feel suddenly terrified for no reason. During a panic attack, you also have scary physical feelings like a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
Panic attacks can happen at any time and any place without warning. Many people with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between episodes. It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations.
It usually starts when people are young adults, around 18 to 24 years old. Sometimes it starts when a person is under a lot of stress, for example after the death of a loved one or after having a baby. Anyone can have panic disorder, but more women than men have the illness. It sometimes runs in families.
Speaking to a specially trained doctor or counselor who can teach you ways to cope with your panic attacks helps many people with panic disorder. Therapy will help you feel less afraid and anxious. Thanks to research, there are a variety of treatments available, including several effective medications, and also specific forms of psychotherapy. Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medications produces good results.
It is extremely important for a person suffering from panic disorder to understand that help is available. Tragically, many people with panic disorder do not seek or receive treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the agency of the U.S. government responsible for improving the mental health of the American people by supporting research on the brain and mental disorders and by increasing public understanding of these conditions and their treatment. NIMH is sponsoring a major information campaign to acquaint the public and health care professionals with this disorder.
Tommy Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/panic-disorder-96780.html
4 Responses to “Panic Disorder”
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July 31st, 2009 2:37 pm
Panic Disorder?
I am 14 and have Panic Disorder. The thing is I always get this:
On the side of my rib cage where my heart is it hurts like 20 times a day for 1-2 seconds sometimes 3 seconds. This gets me very anxious thus causing more fears. I am growing my parents say it can be because your rib cage is getting larger im 5′6" 105 pounds. Skinny and tall basically. Could a professional or anyone who has experienced this for like as long as me which is 2 months respond .
Thank You,
I appreciate it
July 31st, 2009 7:39 pm
I was diagnosed w/panic disorder 3 years ago. This is NOT what you have. Do you have Doctor to diagnose your physical problem? Go see a medical doctor….your descriptions are physical, not mental. Best wishes.
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July 31st, 2009 7:41 pm
I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks and I’m old enough to be your grandfather darn near. It’s probably heart palpitations. Panic attacks are often accompanied by palpitations. And yes, it does increase the anxiety when that happens. It’s very frightening, even for me, even though palpitations are usually harmless. You can feel your own heart beat especially when you are lying on your left side. Just try to stay calm and tell yourself you are alright. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ask your doctor first. He or she is treating you for your anxiety disorder I assume.
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July 31st, 2009 7:43 pm
I experienced aniety & panic attacks for several months which started out mildly & then became worse to the point where I could no longer leave my home.I went to many doctors & they all told me the only thing that would help would be to take anti depressents.I refused (after much research).I am doing wonderful now.You might not believe me but the only thing that helped was ALOT of prayer & taking lots of supplements(such as amino acids which are proven to help with anxiety which causes these panic attacks).
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