Panic Disorder Case Definition
Panic disorders are an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorders that can cause sudden overwhelming fear and extreme nervousness for 10 minutes or more, a response that is out of proportion for the situation. Panic disorders are most often mistaken for a heart attack by the patient. They can happen without warning or reason and affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older every year. Panic disorders occur are twice often in women than men.
Symptoms
Some physical symptoms include: Difficulty breathing, sensation of choking, racing heart, rapid pulse, intense feeling of terror, dizziness or feeling faint, sweating, trembling or shaking, chills or hot flashes, nausea or stomachache, tingling or numbness in fingers and toes, a fear that you are losing control or about to die, and a sense of "going crazy." Repeated attacks over time can cause the patient to have a constant fear of another panic attack. This fear causes the patient to avoid places and situations that have caused the attacks before this affect their overall quality of life.
Methods of diagnosis
If a patient has the symptoms, a physician begins the diagnosis process by performing a physical exam as well as obtaining their complete medical history. The physician looks for other possible causes by doing various other tests. The doctor refers the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who use specially designed interview and assessment tools to determine if the symptoms and degree of dysfunctions suggest panic disorder. Treatment is prescribed based on the intensity, duration, and frequency of the attacks, as well as the patient’s behavior and attitude.
Causes
Studies have shown that a mixture of factors, both environmental and biological, could be involved in the causes of panic disorders. Some possible biological factors include abnormalities in the development of the brain and panic disorders have been shown to run in families. Some environmental factors include the occurrence of panic attacks along with other serious conditions most commonly, depression, alcoholism, or drug abuse. Stressful events and major life transition can also trigger a panic disorder. Stress hormones that are involved in chronic stress are cortisol and corticotropin releasing hormone, which can boost anxiety and cause a panic disorder.
Method of Cure
Treatment for panic disorders include psychotherapy, cognitive, or biofeedback therapy can all change the way the patient response to the stimuli. There are also many prescription medications available to treat many different types of anxiety disorders. These medications act directly on the central nervous system of the patient. Antidepressants particularly Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SSRIs), beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety drugs including benzodiazepines can all help reduce the reoccurrence of the attacks.
Method of prevention and control
There are many different ways to help prevent and control panic disorders. One way is thru certain lifestyle changes including changes in diet and exercise. Reducing the amount of caffeine intake in your diet and having regularly scheduled meals may help. Daily exercise and meditation can help reduce the occurrence of panic disorders. Relaxation, staying stress-free, and getting adequate sleep is also very important in reducing anxiety which cause the panic attacks.
Works Cited
"NIMH · Panic Disorder." NIMH · Home.
"Panic Disorder." Google Health. A.D.A.M., 2010. Web. 02 May 2010. <https://health.google.com/health/ref/Panic+disorder>.
"WebMD Anxiety and Panic Disorders Guide - Better Information for Better Health." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. WebMD. Web. 02 May 2010. <http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/default.htm>.
