Panic Disorder With Or Without Agoraphobia
The mental health disease known as panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and intense worry about future attacks or how they might hurt the person. Several physical symptoms frequently accompany an acute wave of fear or pain known as a panic attack. The peak of a panic episode usually occurs within 10 minutes.
Agoraphobia may exist in combination with or independently of Panic Disorder. People with panic disorder frequently worry that they may pass away or lose control due to their panic episodes. As a result, most people with panic disorder alter their behavior to prevent further attacks, such as cutting back on physical activity, constantly knowing how to get to a doctor or hospital, or avoiding going back to places where they had earlier episodes. While this avoidance could lessen anxiety temporarily, paradoxically, it raises anxiety over time and increases the risk of subsequent panic episodes.
Agoraphobia is a distinct but similar anxiety condition in which a person has intense dread or anxiety in situations when escaping may be challenging, or assistance may be unavailable, such as being around others, in small places, in the open, or when they are alone outside of their house.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder with or without, Agoraphobia vary across individuals but may include one or more of the following:
- Respiratory issues or shortness of breath
- Unsteadiness or faintness
- Rapid heartbeat or pounding heart
- Stomach or chest pains
- Sweating
- Bursts of heat or cold
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- A sense that time is passing slowly or that your surroundings are not real
- Having the sensation that someone else is observing your behavior
- Fear of passing away or letting go
- Ongoing anxiety about experiencing another panic attack
Connected Care Behavioral Health LLC specializes in treating anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, and has the tools and expertise to provide evidence-based care to people of all ages who are suffering from Panic Disorder. To treat panic disorder, we employ exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), which is the most successful therapy across a range of anxiety disorders. Through ERP, people with panic disorder can lessen their avoidance of physiological changes like an elevated heart rate or labored breathing while learning to face their worry. The gradual recovery of their life from panic is made possible by this. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you or someone you know would benefit from our professional Panic Disorder treatment services at 443-219-9236.