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PANIC DISORDER- PSA

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Uploaded by on Feb 18, 2008

http://thegic.org
Have you been diagnosed with panic disorder and are wondering how your doctor came to that conclusion? Or maybe you haven't talked to a health professional yet, but you are sure what you're experiencing is a panic attack. Or perhaps you know someone with panic disorder and you'd like to learn more about it.

Learning the basics of panic disorder can help you better understand the condition and those who have panic disorder:

Panic Disorder is an Anxiety Disorder
Panic disorder is one of several anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric disorders. In the United States alone, 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders.
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The other anxiety disorders are: * agoraphobia * generalized anxiety disorder * social anxiety disorder * obsessive-compulsive disorder * post-traumatic stress disorder * specific phobias

Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by recurrent, spontaneous panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense period of fear or discomfort. During the attack, a person may experience several uncomfortable symptoms. See What Are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder? for a complete list.

To be a diagnosed panic attack, four or more symptoms should be present. Otherwise, the attack is described as a "limited symptom attack." Those who experience panic attacks usually describe them as occurring "out of the blue."
Diagnosing Panic Disorder
One panic attack does not result in a diagnosis of panic disorder. In fact, many people experience a panic attack at some time in their lives. While the experience may be a bit disconcerting, it doesn't result in panic disorder.

To become panic disorder, the initial panic attack will be followed by at least a month of one or more of the following: * Constant worry about having another panic attack * Constant worry about the cause of the attack (ex: heart attack) * Major behavioral change related to the panic attack

In addition, it should be determined that the panic attacks are not the result of: * A substance (drug abuse, medication) * A physiological condition (such as hyperthyroidism) * Another psychiatric disorder (particularly other anxiety disorders)

In other words, it's important to have a complete physical to rule out all possible causes, and it's important to find a mental health provider who specializes in anxiety disorders to rule out other possible diagnoses.
The Importance of Panic Disorder Treatment

Many researchers believe panic disorder to be a chronic condition. Indeed, for many, the severity of panic disorder seems to fluctuate over time.

The chronic nature of panic disorder emphasizes the need for early and appropriate treatment. The NIMH notes that a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy works the best for the most people. Individual needs, however, vary, so the person with panic disorder and the treatment provider should be willing to keep trying different approaches until the most effective treatment is found.

If untreated, panic disorder often becomes more and more disabling. The initial panic attack is followed by chronic worry and, usually, more attacks. Many people begin to avoid places and situations where they've had panic attacks. This can lead to another disabling condition called agoraphobia. As their lives become more limited, some people become depressed. Others turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate and ease the symptoms. Relationships and jobs may be severely affected. These terrible possibilities may be avoided, however, with quick and proper treatment.
Self-Diagnosis of Panic Disorder
Self-diagnosis may help you talk more clearly about your problems with your treatment provider. Sometimes it's difficult to put those intense symptoms into words. Reading about panic disorder may help. On the other hand, self-diagnosis should not be a substitute for professional diagnosis. As mentioned above, panic attacks may indicate physiological problems. And panic attacks may also appear with other anxiety disorders. It is important to discuss your concerns with a professional and to have all possible problems ruled out first.

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  • I believe you can't even come close to understanding the reality of a panic attack without having had one yourself. The detachment from reality and the irrational thoughts your mind can produce together with the massive overdose of adrenaline creates a state of mind where you are stripped of everything you take for granted. Imagine your worst nightmare and then add the knowledge that you can't wake up from it, and you are close

  • Those pictures have nothing to do with panic attacks.

    ROFL, was that Donny Osmond? Hahaha! 1:01

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  • When I was 6, I spent an entire day thinking the world wasn't real. I had no idea what it was at the time but since then I've have 15+ panic attacks. (I'm only 16) I hate the way they make me feel, and I hate that they are beginning to take control of my life.

  • @lifel0ck Those people have panic disorder. :)

  • @oliviazski13 yah2 that was dude.. just relax and visit panic attack in you tube it helps a lot.

  • @MARILYNR0SS yah2 thats panic attack....

  • @BuffRulz dude i have it what you suffer.. it drives me crazy.. i have many attack and 9x a day attack but not gona happen with im stel alive... and my panic will last 4 a 4days to 1 weak..

  • i have panic attack 9x a day.. i fell im going crazy..i have many fear, fear of nothing... i fell like stressful.. how can stop this kind of crazy thing..

  • @1MusikFreak1 yah2 i have it i suffer full blown panic attack it fell like im going to die,chest and back pain,tightness in chest and in throat, dizziness,jelly legs, and going to past out,fear of nothing, i cant breath, i rush to hospital but my EKG reports is normal. i dont know whats happen to me. is this a heart disses or a panic attack!.

  • wwwinformovercom

  • @lifel0ck Well, I guess it shows celebs suffering of this disorder.

  • Hi Jeff. Your brain is in high alert very distressing. Look up the healing power of Neurofeedback....please spread the word it seems to be a secret and it is an answer to unlock the brain

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