Panic Disorder

"I was driving to my friend’s house when all of a sudden, I felt a rush of terror. My body and mind seemed to go out of control. My heart started to pound, I was hot and shaking and I had trouble breathing. This is it, I thought, I’m dying."

What is a Panic Attack?

The body has a natural "fight or flight" response in emergencies. It is an adaptive reaction to help us escape from danger. During a panic attack, the body’s emergency system is triggered for no apparent reason. These episodes come "out of blue" which make them so terrifying. A panic attack may include many of the following:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• racing heart
• dizziness
• trembling
• sweating
• numbness and tingling
• hot and cold flashes
• choking sensations
• feelings of unreality

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of further attacks. The symptoms are interpreted as mortal danger; persons believe they are having a heart attack, dying or losing control.

Individuals may become so afraid of another panic attack that they become hypervigilant, scanning their bodies for possible signs of another attack. This in turn, perpetuates the anxiety cycle.

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a public place and far from help if a panic attack occurs. Sufferers believe their home is their only safe place.

How Does Agoraphobia Develop?

"Everytime I drove my car, I started to get anxious. What if "one of those" happened again? What if I had a heart attack, crashed my car and hurt others? I was so panicky I finally stopped driving to get relief. Now I had to depend on my friends to get around and I hated that. The panic then began when I was out with friends so I found excuses to stay at home. I was also missing work more often and I became very depressed as I saw my life slipping away."

Once someone has had a panic attack in a specific place, for example while driving their car, in an elevator or in a shopping mall – they may attribute their attack to those particular places and begin avoiding them for fear of further attacks. This avoidant behaviour can reach a level where the person becomes completely housebound.

What Causes Panic Disorder?

Recent research suggests that both biological and psychological factors influence the development of panic disorder. Some possibilities:

• genetic predisposition
• imbalances in brain neurotransmitters
• learned behaviour from anxious caregivers
• acute and/or prolonged stress often triggers the disorder

What is the Treatment for Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is one of the most treatable psychiatric disorders. Effective treatments involve cognitive behavioural therapy and medication.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy helps sufferers analyze and control thought patterns that produce panic and anxiety. Catastrophic thoughts are replaced by realistic, calming thoughts.

Behaviour Therapy

Behaviour therapy aids in the control of physical symptoms and maladaptive reactions. A primary tool is relaxation techniques used to interrupt the panic cycle. Gradual exposure to the anxiety provoking object or situation addresses avoidant behaviour.

Medication

The newer anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications have become the first-line medication treatment for Panic Disorder. They are most effective when used in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy.

How Successful is the Treatment?

• treatment for Panic Disorder is 80% - 90% effective with an 80% recovery rate a year later, depending on the degree of avoidant behaviour.
• ADAM’S cognitive behavioral groups provide the tools to control anxiety. With support and determination, sufferers can significantly improve their health.

"I had almost given up hope when my physician told me about ADAM.

I took their course - we began to understand that panic attacks feel terrible but are not life-threatening. What a relief to hear those words! We also learned ways to calm ourselves when we’re anxious. It has made a huge difference - my days are no longer controlled by fear and panic. I HAVE MY LIFE BACK!"