Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is an Anxiety Disorder characterized by the presence of panic attacks that come unexpectedly, “out of the blue”. Most people who suffer from these highly distressing symptoms later develop Agoraphobia which is the fear of being in places where escape can be difficult or embarrassing or where help may not be available if a panic attack occurs.
Symptoms of panic attacks include: palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fear of losing control or going crazy, chest pain, sweating, hot flushes or chills, nausea or abdominal discomfort and a feeling of choking. Sometimes people also experience derealization (e.g. the world feels strange and changed) and depersonalization (e.g. an out of body experience) which are often the most terrifying of all symptoms of panic disorder.
The onset of Panic Disorder is usually between late adolescence and the mid -30’s. Panic attacks may also be present in other Anxiety Disorders (e.g. Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), Substance Related Disorders (e.g. marihuana intoxication) and be also present among patients who suffer certain medical conditions (e.g. hyperthyroidism, cardiac conditions).
The most effective treatment for Panic Disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and especially a clinical intervention named Interoceptive Exposure developed by Dr. David Barlow. Treatment is short term, goal oriented and patients experience significant progress after a couple of months. Weekly homework assignments are included during treatment to maximize treatment gains.
