What is "panic disorder"?
Anxiety disorders like panic disorder are characterized by abrupt, severe terror that typically lasts for several minutes. These attacks of panic disorder are regular and you should experience at least two episodes of them. There is no such real cause of the danger. The attack can be terrifying and you may feel like you may be having a heart attack or you may be even dying. Panic attacks under panic disorder may come at any time and anywhere and that too without warning. For some people, it makes it difficult to even go out of their houses and socialize with other people.
If you experience frequent, unplanned panic episodes and at least one month of persistent worry about having further attacks, you could be diagnosed with panic disorder. The goal of treatment or online counselling for panic disorder is to lessen the frequency and severity of your panic attacks. Two major forms of treatment for panic disorder are therapies and medication. Your medical plan will be determined by your symptoms. Talk to the best psychologist in
India or the top online psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan for managing your panic disorder.
Types of panic disorder
Expected
Unexpected
Signs & Symptoms of panic disorder
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat
Numbness and tingling
Shortness of breath
Sweating
The signs and symptoms of panic disorder may include:
a. Panic attacks: Sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort that can include symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
b. Fear of future panic attacks: Individuals with panic disorder may experience a persistent fear of future panic attacks, which can lead to avoidance behavior and decreased quality of life.
c. Avoidance behavior: Individuals with panic disorder may avoid situations or activities that they fear may trigger a panic attack, leading to a decrease in social or occupational functioning.
d. Physical symptoms: Panic disorder can contribute to physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or muscle tension.
e. Negative thoughts or beliefs: Individuals with panic disorder may experience negative thoughts or beliefs about themselves, such as feeling weak or inadequate.
f. Increased anxiety: Panic disorder can contribute to increased levels of anxiety, which can interfere with daily functioning.
g. Depression: Panic disorder can contribute to symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
It is important to note that experiencing some or all of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean an individual has a panic disorder. However, if these symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or an online counsellor who can provide guidance and support in managing panic disorder symptoms.
Myths & Facts about panic disorder
Fact :
Although people with a family history of panic attacks or a history of child abuse, or trauma or who are diagnosed with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder may have a high chance of panic attacks also which can happen to anyone without any diagnosis of mental illness. People who had experienced a traumatic event like an accident was bullied, shamed, etc, or are in a stressful work or school environment, or haven’t had enough sleep, food, or water are also at risk of having a panic attack.
Fact :
Panic attacks are not in the control of the sufferer, as attacks can occur suddenly in a normal situation or triggered by stressful mental illness, unspecified stimuli, or changes in the environment, there is no specific cause for it to stop it. It can become very intense for the person who is having an attack, saying they do this to seek attention is not right at all.
Fact :
Many people think that persons who experience panic attacks are foolish, insane, overdramatic, or somehow inferior. The truth is that everyone, even those with hard exteriors or previously stable mental states, can experience a panic attack. It's comparable to how anyone can have life-threatening physical conditions, yet those conditions indicate nothing about their moral character or mental toughness. It is important to treat panic disorder as a disease because it is one. People don't get panic attacks because of a personality defect. Instead, these reactions can place when individuals are overburdened or are not able to effectively manage pressures in their lives.
Fact :
It can be effectively treated. Treatment options include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, which patients and their care teams can choose from
Fact :
Many people who experience panic attacks mistakenly think they are having a life-threatening disease because the physical symptoms are so severe. However, despite the fact that they cause very real feelings of terror, panic attacks do not pose a threat to life and usually end within 15 to 30 minutes of their onset.
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Causes, Issues and challenges of panic disorder
Causes of Panic Disorder or Panic Attack
Recurrent panic episodes are a hallmark of the anxiety illness known as panic disorder. The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but some factors that may contribute to the development of the disorder include:
1. Genetics: Panic attack disorder tends to run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
2. Brain chemistry: Panic attack disorder has been linked to imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine.
3. Environmental factors: Traumatic events or significant life changes may trigger the onset of panic disorder symptoms in some individuals.
4. Substance use: The use of drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of panic attack disorder, particularly if an individual has a personal or family history of anxiety disorders.
5. Cognitive factors: Certain patterns of thinking, such as catastrophizing or a tendency to focus on negative events, may contribute to the development of panic disorder.
6. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can mimic the symptoms of panic disorder and may need to be ruled out by a medical professional.
These factors may contribute to the development of panic attack, they do not necessarily cause the disorder. Treatment for panic disorder typically involves a combination of online counselling or online therapy by best psychologist in India and medication by best psychiatrist in India, and can be highly effective in managing symptoms.
People with panic disorder can face a range of challenges and issues in everyday life. Some common challenges include:
- Fear of having panic attacks: A person with panic disorder may live in constant fear of having a panic attack, which can make it difficult to engage in daily activities and social situations.
- Avoidance behaviors: People with panic disorder may avoid situations or places that they associate with past panic attacks. This can limit their ability to enjoy life and can make it difficult to maintain relationships.
- Physical symptoms: Panic attacks can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and chest pain. These symptoms can be exhausting and can interfere with daily activities.
- Mental health issues: Panic disorder can often co-occur with other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse, which can complicate treatment.
- Financial problems: Seeking treatment for panic disorder can be expensive, and missed work due to panic attacks or therapy appointments can also lead to financial strain.
Panic disorder is treatable with interventions such as online counselling or online therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and relaxation therapy. With proper treatment, people with panic disorder can learn strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
People who have loved ones with panic disorder may also face a range of challenges and issues. Here are some common ones:
- Difficulty understanding the disorder: Panic disorder can be difficult to understand and may seem irrational or exaggerated to those who have not experienced it themselves.
- Emotional strain: Seeing a loved one experience panic attacks can be distressing and emotionally draining.
- Social isolation: Loved ones may feel that they have to avoid certain situations or activities with their affected family members to help prevent panic attacks, limiting social interactions.
- Caregiver burden: Loved ones may feel responsible for helping their family members manage their symptoms, which can be a significant burden.
- Financial strain: The cost of treatment for panic disorder can be a significant financial strain on affected families.
- Mental health issues: Loved ones of people with panic disorder may also be at increased risk of experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
The loved ones like family, spouse, friends & colleagues of person with panic attack disorder also seek support and care for their own wellbeing, as both the affected individual and their loved ones can benefit from supportive interventions such as family therapy and peer support groups.
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Guilt
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Treatment of panic disorder
Managing panic disorder:
1. Seek Professional Help: Consult with a qualified mental health professional, such as the best therapist in
India or an online psychiatrist.
2. Medication: Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed by a psychiatrist to help manage panic disorder symptoms.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, can help calm your body and mind during a panic attack and reduce overall anxiety levels.
4. Identify and Challenge Triggering Thoughts: Pay attention to any thoughts or beliefs that trigger your panic attacks and learn to challenge and reframe them.
5. Gradual Exposure: Gradual exposure to situations or triggers that trigger panic attacks, with the guidance of a therapist,
6. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being and help manage panic disorder.
7. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, practicing good self-care habits, and taking breaks when needed.
8. Educate Yourself: Learn about panic disorder and understand its nature, symptoms, and triggers.
9. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate toward yourself as you navigate through managing the panic disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors.
Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of panic disorder.
Breathing and relaxation techniques: Learning and practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, can help manage panic symptoms by reducing overall anxiety and promoting relaxation during times of heightened stress.
Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a balanced diet, can help reduce anxiety and support overall mental well-being.
Avoidance management: Avoiding situations or triggers that trigger panic attacks can reinforce anxiety and panic. Gradual exposure to these situations, with the guidance of an online counsellor, can help desensitize the individual to the triggers and reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks.
Supportive interventions: Supportive interventions, such as individual or group therapy, can provide emotional support, education, and guidance for managing the panic disorder.
Self-Care: Practicing good self-care, such as prioritizing self-compassion, self-care activities, and stress management techniques, can contribute to overall mental health and well-being, which can help in managing panic disorder symptoms.
Benefits of Online Counselling for panic disorder
Some benefits of online counseling for panic disorder are:
1. Learning coping skills: Online counselling can help individuals learn coping skills to manage panic attacks when they occur. These skills might include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as cognitive strategies, such as challenging negative thoughts.
2. Identifying triggers: An online counsellor can help individuals with panic disorder identify triggers that may lead to panic attacks. By recognizing and avoiding these triggers, individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
3. Addressing underlying issues: Counseling can help individuals with panic disorder explore underlying issues that may contribute to their anxiety, such as past trauma or relationship problems. Addressing these issues can help individuals better manage their anxiety.
4. Providing support: Panic disorder can be a very isolating condition, and counseling can provide individuals with a supportive and non-judgmental environment in which to discuss their experiences.
5. Improving overall well-being: Counseling can help individuals with panic disorder improve their overall well-being by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing their ability to function in daily life.
6. Effective: Online counselling has been shown to be an effective treatment for panic disorder. Research has demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy, can be particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
7. Non-invasive: Counseling is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve medication or other medical interventions. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer to avoid taking medication or who have concerns about potential side effects.
8. Personalized: Counseling can be personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual. An online counsellor can work with an individual to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific symptoms, triggers, and concerns.
9. Long-lasting: Counseling can provide long-lasting benefits for individuals with panic disorder. By learning coping skills and addressing underlying issues, individuals can develop the tools they need to manage their anxiety in the long term.
10. Safe and supportive: Online counselling provides a safe and supportive environment in which individuals can discuss their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism.
11. Improves overall well-being: Counseling can improve overall well-being by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing an individual's ability to function in daily life.
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Frequently Asked Questions on panic disorder
If you think your panic attacks are ruining your life and destroying your personal and professional life, it is best to contact a counselor/therapist who specializes in panic attacks. However, if you think that you can overcome it on your own, you can start by observing and understanding the pattern of your panic attacks. You need to stay away from situations that are making them worse. Since panic disorders may often involve medication, it is best to undergo them under the counsel of a professional clinical psychologist or the best online psychologist in India.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which is a mental illness.
Panic disorders can be caused to due to a number of reasons. Heredity is one major factor, if you
have family history of panic disorders, it is likely that you might develop the same. There are
other causes too like exposures to stress, or you may be having a tendency to take stressed
situations and cannot cope with them easily and it may also occur as a result of some changes in
the system of your brain functions. Studies suggest that stress is one major cause and it can also
be a result of an underlying mental health condition.
You cannot take medication for panic disorders, without the consultation of a psychiatrist. It is unprofessional and ethically wrong for us to disclose any medication in this manner. You can seek online counselling with one of the best online counsellor or the best online psychiatrists in India at TalktoAngel. Moreover, medication is only effective in the long term if coupled with an effective online psychological counselling sessions.
"Online psychologist who specializes in Anxiety and Panic Disorders can help you immensely in recovering from the panic attacks you are having. The best online counsellors and best online therapists are adept at handling problems related to panic disorder. They can help you in getting rid of panic disorders through emotional exploration, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving using various techniques. The client can work along with the therapist to set short-term and long-term goals to deal with panic attacks.
Online therapy platform, TalktoAngel provides quality therapy. Panic disorders are one of our areas of expertise. Online panic disorder counsellors and therapists with training and experience are working with us. Online panic disorder counselling and mental health services such as online psychiatric consultation are as beneficial as traditional ones, according to studies. Additionally, we prioritize meeting your needs at TalktoAngel. At the touch of your fingers, we can assist you with flexible consultations and personally tailored intervention strategies.
"
Trauma can have a significant impact on panic attacks. Individuals who have experienced trauma may be more prone to developing panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms. Trauma-related triggers can activate the body's stress response, leading to heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and panic attacks. Online Therapy with the best psychologist for trauma can address the underlying trauma by using trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), can be helpful in managing panic attacks in individuals with a history of trauma.
The most effective online therapy used by top online psychologists for panic attacks is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically a form of CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP) which focuses on gradually exposing the person to their triggers and teaching them coping skills to manage the panic symptoms. Medication, only through appropriate online psychiatric consultation, may also be prescribed in conjunction with online counselling and therapy for some individuals.
Panic disorder can significantly impact a person's daily life. The recurrent and unpredictable panic attacks can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain places or situations, disruptions in work or school, strained relationships, and impaired quality of life. The constant fear of future panic attacks may also cause heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and anticipatory anxiety, which can further disrupt daily activities and overall functioning. Seeking appropriate treatment, such as counselling online or offline and medication in consultation with the best psychiatrist, can help manage the impact of panic disorder on daily life.
Online Counselling can be highly beneficial in treating panic disorder. Online counseling for panic disorder typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Counseling by a top online counsellor can be particularly helpful for people with panic disorder who may have difficulty leaving their homes or may feel anxious in social situations. Online counseling provides a convenient and accessible way to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home.
Clinical psychologists can treat panic attacks using evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). A clinical psychologist using online psychological counselling will work with a person with panic disorder to identify the triggers that lead to panic attacks and teach them skills to manage and prevent these attacks. This may involve learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, and other coping strategies to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. Additionally, a clinical psychologist may recommend online psychiatric consultation as part of the treatment plan for panic disorder. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. It's important to work with a qualified and experienced clinical psychologist or online therapist who specializes in the treatment of panic disorder to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
