Panic disorders are real problems that can affect an estimated 7.5% of the general population at any given time. This widespread problem has the potential to be among the most debilitating mental health disorders we know of. The intensity of the panic attacks that panic disorders cause can vary from patient to patient. All of them have consistent physical symptoms that can sometimes make it hard to diagnose the problem properly. However, despite this alarming situation, the general public tends to be unaware of some of the basic facts surrounding panic disorders. Presented here is some basic information that could be useful to people who have panic disorders, or believe they know someone who has this particular mental health problem.
The Signs:
The primary symptom of panic disorders would be periods where the patient undergoes extreme anxiety. These periods are often known as panic attacks and are easily mistaken for signs of someone developing an anxiety disorder. The duration can cause the physical symptoms to vary from patient to patient and, in some cases, from attack to attack. An increased heart rate, excessive perspiration, uncontrollable trembling, and nausea have all been cited as physical signs of a panic attack. The frequency of these attacks can vary from patient to patient, with some experiencing attacks daily while others endure them on a weekly basis.
The Chance of An Incorrect Diagnosis:
Due to the physical symptoms that panic disorders have, some people can easily make the mistake of believing it to be a physical problem. There are a variety of physical ailments that can cause the same range of side effects and symptoms that panic disorders do. It is believed that a number of untrained observers may mistake a panic attack as epilepsy, or something similar. In some cases, the physical effects have been mistaken as heart attacks or strokes. A lack of knowledge of can also lead some observers to mistake the side effects of panic disorders to be a case of social anxiety or performance anxiety.
Possible Treatments:
Counseling has been noted as being helpful in alleviating panic disorders. Typically, psychiatric counseling and therapy is accompanied by the use of certain drugs, such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. The use of these medications can also help in cutting the connection between panic disorders and anxiety and phobias, helping the patient recover faster. Psychiatric counseling has also been useful in helping patients adapt to a normal life, particularly if the disorder was left untreated for an extended period.
Side Effects A Patient Might Develop:
Prolonged and untreated panic disorders can sometimes cause side effects like social anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia. Since panic attacks can occur during social situations, it can sometimes cause someone to develop performance anxiety or social anxiety. This is particularly true if the attacks frequently occur during times of great stress for the patient. Another possible reaction to these triggers can be depression and lack of confidence, as the person continues to fail in his endeavors. The onset of these side effects not only have an effect on mental health, but can also make recovery even more difficult. As such, it is critical that the problem be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. That way, the damage it can do is kept to a minimum.
