Defined as: A type of anxiety disorder in which you have repeated attacks of intense fear that something bad will happen
Most persons affected with panic disorder will recover, but you have to identify the issue and ask for help.
People with panic disorder may feel sad or depressed often living in fear of another attack. The attack begins suddenly and usually peaks within 10 to 20 minutes. A person with panic disorder lives in a prison of fear of the sudden onset of attacks and may fear being alone or far from medical help.
Symptoms include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Terror
- Nervousness
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Paranoia
- Fear of losing control
It’s not unusual that those with panic disorder often turn to drugs or alcohol to self–medicate. When it becomes abuse, this is called a co-occurring disorder. Ironically, if you suffer from panic disorder, alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine and cocaine trigger or worsen symptoms.
Studies suggest that alcoholism occurs in 10%-40% of people that have panic disorder. And 10%-20% struggle with substance abuse in an attempt to control symptoms.
We can help; we are a dual diagnosis facility that specializes in these disorders that often go untreated.
Our professionals specialize in dual diagnosis, accessing your situation and co-occurring conditions. They will provide a safe environment where you can find peace inside yourself and find out which course of treatment is the best path for you.
Combinations of these therapies are often used to treat panic disorder:
Psychotherapy- This form of counseling addresses the emotional response to mental illness. It is a process in which our trained mental health professionals help you by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with your disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy- A form of psychotherapy that helps a person learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings and distress.
Through therapy we begin to identify possible triggers for panic attacks.
Medication- This will be explored as well as an approach to treat the disorder as a whole.
Relaxation techniques- Are very helpful, practicing these techniques will be vital to the full picture of recovery.
The good news:
Panic disorder can be successfully treated and you can go on to lead a full and satisfying life. With the right treatment, about 90% of people with panic disorder find relief. Unfortunately, many people with panic disorder do not seek treatment and self-medicate. Without treatment, panic disorder can severely impair your quality of life. Ways to self-manage the panic include avoiding and discontinuing any activities that seem to trigger a panic attack. Anticipatory anxiety, which is brought on by merely thinking about the possibility of having an anxiety attack, can lead to: claustrophobia, fear of being in enclosed spaces or worse, agoraphobia, fear of being in public places, which can progress to never leaving the home.
If you need help, call us. There is hope. We can give you hope and a Good Future.
Call today to speak to an addiction specialist (561) 859-0930