Fitness Classes. Integrative Therapy. Weight Management. Parking Information. Gift Shop. Patient Meals. Pay My Bill Online. Financial Assistance. Medical Records. Events Calendar. Contact Us. Hospital Leadership. Hospital Auxiliaries. Our History. Medical Staff Office. Vendor Information. Also, panic attacks can be a symptom of other conditions, such as:. Using the guidelines in the DSM-5 , a doctor may diagnose panic disorder if the person has:.
Here, learn some strategies for coping with panic disorder. The most common treatments for panic disorder are medications and psychotherapy. According to the APA, many people feel better when they understand what panic disorder is — and how common it is. A person may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy , sometimes shortened to CBT. It can help them identify triggers and new ways of facing difficult situations. Another option is interoceptive exposure, which teaches a person to grow accustomed to the symptoms of a panic attack a safe environment.
The aim is to reduce the fear of an attack and to break the symptoms down into manageable stages. Meanwhile, relaxation techniques such as slow breathing and visualization can also help. For some people, a doctor may also prescribe one or more of the following medications :. Benzodiazepines can reduce symptoms more quickly, but there is a risk of dependence.
Some medications produce adverse effects. It is important that a doctor works with the person to find the best possible treatment. Using these drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal can be life-threatening. Combining them with alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in death. Here, learn how to help someone who is having a panic attack. Various tips can help reduce the frequency and impact of panic attacks.
It may, for example, lead to:. Panic attacks and panic disorder affect many people. The attacks can be frightening, but there are effective treatments. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.
But treatment can be very effective. Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time — when you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting.
You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently. Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides. One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one.
You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur. If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment. Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.
Fear that you are going to die, lose control, or "go crazy. Agoraphobia Panic attacks may begin without a trigger. Symptoms in children Panic attacks aren't common in children or younger teens. They may be overly afraid of common objects such as bugs. They may worry too much about monsters or about going to bed alone. They may refuse to go to school or become unusually upset when they are separated from a parent.
What Happens A first panic attack often starts without warning during an ordinary activity such as shopping or walking down the street. You may become confused and think you are "going crazy.
You may feel a strong need to leave the area and go to a place that feels safe, such as your car or home. You may also have physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, a pounding heart, or chest pain.
It is common to think that you are having a heart attack and to seek treatment in a hospital emergency room. The intensity of these symptoms usually peaks within 10 minutes. Panic disorder Common traits in panic disorder include: Feeling exhausted from lack of sleep. Using drugs or alcohol to numb your fears or give you a false sense of courage to face feared situations. Having depression. Having irrational fears phobias. Having other anxiety disorders , such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Having trouble relating to other people in social settings because of intense feelings of anxiety. What Increases Your Risk Your risk for panic attacks and panic disorder may be higher if you: Have a family history of panic disorder.
You are also at increased risk if you have a parent with either depression or bipolar disorder. Have other conditions associated with panic disorder or panic attacks, such as depression. Drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, chain-smoke cigarettes, or drink large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Take medicines known to trigger panic attacks, such as those used to treat asthma or heart problems. Have had previous, unexpected panic attacks. When should you call your doctor?
Call your doctor if you have: Attacks of intense fear or anxiety that seem to come on without a reason. A panic attack or worry that you will have another one, and your worrying interferes with your ability to do your daily activities.
Occasional physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain , and you are not sure what is causing them. Watchful waiting It can be hard to tell the difference between the symptoms of a panic attack such as shortness of breath and chest pain and the symptoms of a heart attack or another serious medical problem. Who to see The following health professionals can diagnose panic attacks. They may work together with other health professionals to treat panic attacks and panic disorder: Emergency medicine specialist Family medicine physician General practitioner Physician assistant Nurse practitioner Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder may also be provided by a: Psychiatrist.
Licensed professional counselor. Exams and Tests You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have at least two unexpected panic attacks along with fear or worry about having another panic attack and avoiding situations that may trigger it. Treatment Overview Successful treatment reduces how many panic attacks you have and how often you have them.
Treatment may include: Professional counseling , such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. To learn more, see Other Treatment. Medicines, such as an antidepressant or a benzodiazepine. Home treatment, such as relaxation exercises.
Prevention Panic disorder cannot be prevented. Home Treatment Here are steps you can take to decrease the number of panic attacks you have. These steps can also reduce the severity of your symptoms when an attack does occur: Reduce anxiety.
Do tension-reducing activities, and lower the amount of stress in your life. Do relaxation exercises. These involve 10 to 20 minutes of deep breathing and muscle relaxation each day. Changing how you think can change how you feel—and that can reduce your anxiety. Noticing negative thoughts and replacing them with helpful ones is one way to do this.
Get your breathing and heart rate up several times a week. Limit alcohol and caffeine or avoid them completely. Eat a balanced diet. This means eating fresh, healthy foods and limiting your intake of foods that are high in sugar and fat.
Support for the family When a person has panic attacks, his or her entire family is affected. Medications Medicines for panic disorder are used to control the symptoms of panic attacks, reduce their number and severity, and reduce the anxiety and fear linked with having another attack.
Medicine choices Medicines used most often to treat panic attacks include: Antidepressants , such as Paxil, Prozac, or Zoloft. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Valium, or Xanax. Medicines sometimes used to treat panic disorder include: Antidepressants , such as Anafranil, Norpramin, and Tofranil. Antidepressants with mixed neurotransmitter effects, such as Effexor.
Other Treatment Counseling Medicines to treat panic disorder often may prevent another panic attack. Support groups and self-help Support groups are often good places to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions related to panic disorder.
Online discussion forums and websites may also offer information and support. Relaxation exercises Body-centered relaxation exercises can be useful for reducing anxiety and treating symptoms of stress. They include: Breathing exercises , such as roll breathing a type of deep breathing.
Progressive muscle relaxation. This reduces muscle tension by relaxing individual muscle groups. This uses the aroma-producing oils essential oils from plants to promote relaxation. Yoga , tai chi, and qi gong , and other forms of exercise and meditation. They typically require initial instruction. Mindfulness activities Mindfulness activities are techniques that help relax the mind.
These techniques include: Meditation , where you focus your attention on the things that are happening right now in the present moment. One way to do this is by paying attention to your breathing. Stress Management: Doing Meditation Guided imagery visualization. This is a method of using your imagination to help you relax and release tension caused by stress. Your body responds to the images in your mind. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with panic disorder.
Huppert JC, et al.
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