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Fearing Fear Itself

Panic Disorder is one of three anxiety disorders that occur frequently in psychiatry patients today. Fear is a normal human emotion that can occur without reason. When the fear instincts kick in for no apparent reason, but happen intensely, it is usually called a panic attack. These panic attacks are no doubt severe in nature. The resulting physical, psychological and emotional responses cannot be ignored and actually overwhelm the individual experiencing them. Doctors may not know how to diagnose Panic Disorder and may underestimate the effect on the patients. Oftentimes a referral to a trained psychiatrist is necessary.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

There are several common symptoms associated with Panic Disorder. A racing heart, accompanied by increased sweating and quickened breathing are all indications of a ‘fight or flight' reflex that accompanies intense fear. As a result of the typical fear reflexes, panic attacks also tend to cause trembling, chest pain, nausea and dizziness as well as a sort of detached feeling. In addition to normal intense fear, panic attacks make the sufferer feel as if he or she is losing control and may die. The severity of this type of anxiety disorder can be determined with a few questions about your panic attack.

Is it Panic Disorder?

Frequency of panic attacks can lend some information about the potential diagnosis of a disorder. If a person has had more than one, chances are very high that they do have a disorder. A typical panic attack that should be noted will last for about two hours, but will peak in intensity in only ten minutes. The sufferer may not have all of the symptoms listed above, but will probably feel four or more. To decide if a panic attack was significant, one can test his or own feelings about the episodes. Do they cause fear about future attacks? Did they cause an adjustment in normal life routines to attempt to avoid them? Do they make you feel as though you are out of control enough to be considered crazy?

Dealing with Panic Disorder

Fearing fear is not a solution. Being overly anxious about the return of a panic attack can actually cause one to begin. Fear responses that are easily triggered will respond to any increase in overall anxiety. To rule out other causes for panic attacks, be aware of any stimulants you are exposed to, as well as to medications and other medical conditions you may already have. Have a frank discussion with a psychiatrist to determine the best course of action in dealing with panic attacks. If your panic attacks are triggered by a known situation or substance, they are not a part of panic disorder. You should discuss other possibilities or some other anxiety disorder with your doctor.

There are other kinds of anxiety disorder, but Panic Disorder may be the most frightening. To avoid a worsening condition, seek treatment as soon as you are aware of a problem. Panic Disorder does not have to end up controlling the rest of your life. Treatments are available that can effectively calm an overactive fear response.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman's Guide to

the Psychiatrist's Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.