People with Panic Disorder have sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes to several hours. Sometimes, symptoms may last longer. The main characteristic in panic attacks is an intense fear of disaster or of losing control even when there is no real danger. A person may also have a strong physical reaction during a panic attack. Some people experience it as having a heart attack. Panic attack can occur at any time, and many people with panic Disorder worry about and dread the possibility of having another attack . Not everyone who experienced a panic attack will develop a Panic Disorder.
People with Panic Disorder may have:
- Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear
- A feeling of being out of control during the panic attack
- An intense worry about when the next attack will come
- Fear or avoidance of places where the panic attack has occurred in the past
- Physical symptoms during the attack can include:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Breathing Problems
- Weakness or dizziness
- Feeling hot or cold chills
- Tingly or numb hands
- Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea,
- passing out
Treatment
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy( CBT) is especially useful for Panic Disorder. It teaches the person to recognize how their own assumptions and beliefs contribute to their negative emotions, and how to better cope with their panic attacks by changing these negative thoughts. CBT is a relatively shorter term therapy that provides people with practical and effective skills, which they can begin to apply immediately. These powerful tools can be used for future problems should they arise.
CBT utilizes cognitive restructuring-re-framing thinking to modify emotions and behavior. Various behavioral techniques including systematic desensitization, exposure, graded flooding, self-relaxation training, and extinction are used depending on the person’s needs and level of response to treatment. If after several months a person is having trouble with CBT approach, medication should be added.
Medication
For many people medication alone is a sufficient treatment strategy. The most commonly prescribed medication are the anti-anxiety such as Alprazolam (Xenax) and Clonazepam (Klonopine) and the SSRI’s (or antidepressants), such as Lexapro, Celexa and others. However, patients show a high rate of relapse once they come off medication. The best way to prevent relapse is a gradual tapering of the medication, along with an intensive Cognitive-Behavioral Program to help patients to maintain gains.
