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About Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms & Treatment of Panic Disorder Symptoms
At least four of the following symptoms come on suddenly, creating a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within 10 minutes.
1. Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate 2. Sweating 3. Trembling or shaking 4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering 5. Feeling of choking 6. Chest pain or discomfort 7. Nausea or abdominal distress 8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint 9. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself) 10. Fear of losing control or going crazy 11. Fear of dying 12. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations 13. Chills or hot flushes Treatment
It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, to prevent the disorder from becoming chronic and restricting your life. Research shows that 70 to 90 percent of people with panic disorder are helped by treatment.
One effective treatment is a type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients “take control” of the panic attacks by viewing them differently and mastering strategies such as relaxation techniques. In addition, patients are helped to identify and change their non-productive thought patterns and behaviors. The phobias that often develop as a result of panic disorder (such as agoraphobia) can be helped by another cognitive-behavioral technique, exposure therapy, wherein the patient is very gradually exposed to the fearful situation until he or she becomes desensitized to it.
Medication is often prescribed for panic disorder. In many cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is helpful. Significant improvement is often seen within eight weeks. |
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Copyright 1999. Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. All rights reserved. |
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Contact Dr. Barton: |
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Geraldine T. Barton, Ph.D. Phone: 845-338-3250 159 Green Street Email: drgmbarton@drgmbarton.com Kingston, NY 12401 |
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All information on this web site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric advice or treatment for specific conditions. You should seek prompt care for any specific medical or mental health issues. |
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Clinical Psychologist |
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Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. |