Panic Disorder:
The Fear That Overwhelms

Audio Version

Experiencing fear and even panic from time to time is not unusual. It is a natural reaction  to a threat and can be a useful defense against danger if you feel unsafe. 

Sometimes, however, there is really no danger and your fear is excessive.  When panic happens your entire body is going into “emergency mode”. If this sounds familiar, you could have a panic disorder.

Understanding Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with panic disorder often experience panic attacks or “sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes or longer.”  Web MD says, “it is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning.”  It is generally characterized by the dread of disaster or feelings of helplessness in the face of a perceived threat.

Panic attacks can happen anywhere and at any time. This response is often excessive or out of proportion to the situation or “trigger.”  The fear responses can be so strong that the fear itself is feared, which can fuel the panic more.  Over time, you can develop a persistent fear of frequent panic attacks. This can seriously impair your ability to function and affect the overall quality of your life.

Discouraged and apprehensive, you may be likely to avoid places and occasions that you believe will trigger your panic attacks.  This can mean giving up the things that may truly matter in your relationships, studies, career, recreation, and many other ambitions.

The Underlying Roots of Panic Disorder

No one knows for certain what leads to the development of panic disorder.  Experts believe, though, that it could be related to family history, brain chemistry, major life events, and even other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Panic disorder may run in families, which is why many experts believe that some people could be genetically predisposed.   

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

Symptoms of Panic Disorder can feel as if they come out of nowhere, the fear of having a panic attack can be overwhelming.  According to Web MD, some signs of Panic Disorder can include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pounding heart or chest pain
  • Intense feeling of dread
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sensation of choking or smothering
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea or stomach ache
  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes
  • Chills or hot flashes
  • A fear that you are losing control or are in serious danger

Having frequent panic attacks can keep you from living the life you deserve, early intervention can make a big difference. Panic can leave you feeling isolating, you aren’t alone. 

Resolving Panic Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.7% of adults in the United States will experience Panic Disorder at some point in their life . Though panic disorder cannot be prevented, therapy can help reduce the intensity and frequency of the symptoms.  

With treatment, you can address and resolve the complexities of your panic disorder symptoms and find the peace you deserve. Carolina Counseling Services — Cameron, NC contracts with counselors that know how to effectively treat panic disorder. Call today to schedule your first appointment, we can’t wait to hear from you!

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