Description of Disorder
Panic disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses. This specific condition is characterized by regular, sudden, and intense bouts of panic or panic attacks, which can occur without any apparent reason. These attacks include both physical and mental symptoms and signs, such as a feeling of terror, helplessness, a fear of death, accelerated heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shaking, among others.
Currently, many people report having panic attacks that can be associated with the development of panic disorder. Still, they remain untreated because of the impossibility or unwillingness to ask for or receive required assistance (Perrotta, 2019). Contacting a mental health professional and a social worker for support and to develop an effective treatment plan is essential.
Treatment Options
Still, the treatment of panic disorder should be comprehensive, including psychotherapy, pharmacological treatment, and self-help methods. Thus, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is known as one of the most effective methods for treating panic attacks and panic disorder. During CBT, a patient learns how to recognize triggers and change thought patterns and behavior that can provoke panic attacks (Heppell et al., 2021). During the therapy, a patient can also learn relaxation and self-soothing techniques.
The treatment with the help of medications and self-help is also an important option. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are often used to control the symptoms of panic disorder. However, these drugs should be applied under the strict supervision of a doctor, as they have potential side effects and the risk of addiction.
Self-help for individuals with panic attacks and panic disorder should include a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as support from close people (Robinaugh et al., 2019). Various relaxation methods, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga, can also be beneficial. Thus, even though panic disorder can be a serious problem, many people who experience it have treatment options.
References
Heppell, J. L., Denis, I., Turcotte, S., Fleet, R. P., Dionne, C. E., & Foldes-Busque, G. (2021). Incidence of panic disorder in patients with non-cardiac chest pain and panic attacks. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(7), 985-994. Web.
Perrotta, G. (2019). Panic disorder: Definitions, contexts, neural correlates and clinical strategies. Current Trends in Clinical & Medical Sciences, 1(2), 1-10.
Robinaugh, D. J., Ward, M. J., Toner, E. R., Brown, M. L., Losiewicz, O. M., Bui, E., & Orr, S. P. (2019). Assessing vulnerability to panic: A systematic review of psychological and physiological responses to biological challenges as prospective predictors of panic attacks and panic disorder. General Psychiatry, 32(6). Web.