Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

About 2.4 million adults in the U.S. suffer panic disorder, which is recurring bouts of extreme fear that hit without warning. Because they don't know when another attack will happen, people often have intense anxiety between occurrences.

Signs & symptoms

The main symptom of panic disorder is the "panic attack" - a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Symptoms can be so severe that sufferers think they're having a heart attack, such as:

• Racing heart or chest pain
• Sweating, trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath, feeling of choking
• Nausea, abdominal pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness
• A disconnected or "unreal" feeling
• Fear of losing control, "going crazy," or dying
• Chills, hot flashes

Who's at risk?

Nobody is sure why people develop panic disorder or what causes panic attacks.  Researchers think that the body's natural response to danger might be involved, since many of the same reactions happen during panic attacks. Women are affected about twice as much as men. Some risk factors:

• Built-up stress
• Abnormalities in brain chemistry
• Personality type or disorder that is prone to anxiety
• Family history of panic disorder

Professional help

Many people don't get help, either because they don't understand their condition is treatable, or because they worry about what family, friends or coworkers will think. But panic disorder can be successfully treated with therapy and medication, in combination or alone. Proper treatment helps 70% to 90% of people with panic disorder, usually in six to eight weeks. If you have symptoms of panic disorder, talk to your doctor or other health professional.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do

In addition to treatment, relaxation techniques can help you can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress that go along with panic disorder.

• Focused breathing. Sit or lie comfortably. Breathe deeply by inhaling slowly through your nose. Put your hands on your stomach and feel your belly expand. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few times.
• Stretch your muscles. Stretch by tightening, then relaxing different parts of your body. Start with your head and, step by step, relax muscles all the way to your feet. Then relax in your chair a few minutes before getting back to your work or activity. This entire process should take from 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meditate. Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene or situation for five to 10 minutes.

Be sure you get enough rest, eat right and find time to relax. Stay away from caffeine and nicotine. Don't rely on alcohol or unprescribed drugs to relieve symptoms.

Talk with a case manager

If you need extra help - perhaps because you are dealing with additional health risks - a Priority Health case manager will help you:

• Send you educational materials
• Work with your doctor if necessary
• Answer questions and offer support
  Contact a case manager now.