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Understanding Panic Disorder

• Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which patients repeatedly experience sudden and intense fear, and sometimes even feel that they are on the verge of death.
• A "panic attack" means that there is no real danger, but the body releases an intense feeling of discomfort that only occurs when facing a threat. Maybe you're getting ready for sleep, or you're just going about your daily activities like getting ready for bed, but panic symptoms crop up.
• Panic attacks may occur several times in a week, or multiple times in the same day. Generally speaking, the attack peaks within a few minutes and the patient will feel emotionally tense and frightened. People with panic disorder worry about having another panic attack and try to avoid places that triggered the panic.

Symptoms of panic disorder

In a typical panic attack, people experience intense feelings of fear and discomfort for a period of time. Below are thirteen symptoms, at least four of which reach their maximum severity within ten minutes.

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or a accelerated heart rate.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
• Feelings of choking.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or abdominal distress.
• Feeling of dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”.
• Fear of dying.
• Paresthesias (numbness or tingling in the fingertips, mouth or body).
• Feeling cold or hot.

Effects of Panic Disorder

• Excessive anxiety may trigger panic attacks, which will have adverse effects on the patient's multiple functions, reduce the patient's ability to respond and learn, weaken the patient's immunity to the disease, reduce the response to treatment, and reduce pain. Decreased tolerance may even lead to a sense of loss of control in behavior. Even with guidance, patients may have difficulty performing normal activities and may even suffer from personality disorganization. This condition can be accompanied by cognitive distortions and a loss of the ability to think rationally, causing great distress to the patient themselves.
• In addition, chronic fear and worry often accompany depression. Therefore, when treating panic disorder, we should also consider treating possible comorbid depression symptoms at the same time to comprehensively improve the patient's mental health. Seeking professional support and treatment early can help people cope more effectively with panic disorder and its associated mental health challenges.

Panic disorder treatment

Panic attacks can be overcome, and there are a variety of treatments proven to be effective in improving symptoms for nearly all sufferers. Medication and psychotherapy, whether used independently or in combination, are significantly effective. Main treatments include:

• Drug treatment: mainly anxiolytics and antidepressants. Patients should strictly follow the physician's advice and are not allowed to adjust the dosage or discontinue medication on their own. Although the side effects of newer generations of drugs are relatively fewer, some people may still experience temporary side effects while using them. Patients should discuss with their physician whether appropriate adjustments are needed and should not interrupt or reduce medications on their own.
• Psychotherapy: takes a relatively long time to work, but the skills learned are durable and can be maintained long after treatment ends. Some people prefer not to use drugs, believing that psychotherapy gives them more control over things. Therefore, drug treatment and psychological treatment can be carried out at the same time. After the psychological treatment takes effect, discuss with the doctor whether to appropriately reduce the use of drugs.
• Group therapy: Provide support and advice to help improve psychological distress and regain motivation in life.
• Behavioral therapy: Coping with anxiety symptoms through simple, practical techniques.
• Muscle relaxation training: Improve hyperventilation through deep breathing and muscle relaxation training.
• Overall, an individual patient's treatment plan may vary depending on their condition, so it is recommended to work closely with your physician during treatment to find the therapy that best suits your needs.

Getting out of panic, a self-help guide

• Contact your doctor: Reach out to your doctor about treatment plans for anxiety disorders. Instead of feeling embarrassed about seeking medical attention, you may actually find that those around you have a deep respect for those who face their problems bravely.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Absorb other people's experiences in dealing with anxiety. You can learn how other people deal with anxiety correctly by watching movies, reading books or watching TV dramas.
• Participate in comfortable activities: Participate in activities that make you feel comfortable, slow down the pace of life, share with family and friends, and adjust your mood.
• Find a support system: Find a trusted family member, friend, pastor, or local supportive group so you don’t feel alone and have someone to face it.
• Improve knowledge: Learn as much as possible about anxiety disorders, learn about various treatments, and learn from the experiences of other patients who have recovered, which can help build a comprehensive understanding of the disease.
• Maintain a regular life: Cultivating a regular life schedule and developing leisure activities will help maintain physical and mental balance.