People with panic disorder suffer from repeated panic attacks and have a sense of terror that may strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. These individuals will develop a heightened sense of panic as they will worry that the next attack could occur while they may be driving a car or be in some type of position where an attack could lead to severe injury or even death. Some easily recognized symptoms may be trouble sleeping, being easily fatigued, irritability, muscle tension, restlessness and difficulty concentrating. In many ways panic disorder builds on itself. An individual will have attacks, usually from stress, and then the attacks themselves create even more stress or anxiety, leading to more attacks. Typically a person will have an attack and then for one month after the attack they will worry about having another attack, they will worry about the consequences of the attack and they may experience a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder? - How common is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder affects some 3 to 6 million Americans and is twice as likely to be found in women than in men. It can also strike at any age from the very young to the elderly but will typically start in the teenage years. Keep in mind that just because someone has a panic attack it does not mean that they will develop panic disorder. This also does not include panic attacks that may be drug-related. These are individuals who may otherwise be healthy but are suffering from repeated anxiety attacks who then worry about the anxiety attacks themselves.
What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder? - How serious is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is often accompanied by other conditions such as depression and alcoholism and should be treated immediately as it can be very debilitating. Often people will create additional phobias as a result of panic disorder. If an attack should happen in a confined place such as an elevator it is possible then that people suffering from panic disorder will develop a phobia of elevators or being in a confined space. Panic disorder can be very debilitating and can really limit one's life. People have been known to cut themselves off from society as they worry that an attack could strike anytime and anywhere. It is very treatable and if one suspects that they are suffering from the disorder they should consult a physician immediately.
What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?
- Panic Disorder does not affect everyone that suffers from panic/anxiety attacks.
- Panic Disorder can be very debilitating as people who suffer from it have a tendency to cut themselves off from normal activities for fear an attack could happen at any time and anywhere.
- Panic Disorder is a very treatable disorder and anyone who suspects they suffer from it should seek the help of a doctor immediately.
