Anxiety Panic Attack Disorder

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By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:03PM

You've just come home from a typical day at work. As you put down your briefcase and plop down in your chair, you suddenly get the feeling that you are running out of oxygen. You feel smothered and lightheaded. Are you going to pass out? Is this an asthma attack? As your panic intensifies, your heart beat begins to race, your breathing become shallow, your chest hurts, and your mouth is completely dry. Are you having a heart attack? You feel very shaky, sweaty, and disconnected from reality. But finally, after what seems like an eternity (but is probably really just a minute or two) your symptoms begin to subside. You've just had a panic attack.

Does this sound familiar? Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. And many suffer in silence due to embarrassment or lack of information about their condition. If you or someone you love suffers from panic attacks, rest assured, help is available. A panic disorder is a medical condition characterized by severe and sudden episodes. With patience, information, and the appropriate treatment method, you can break the cycle of fear and anxiety and regain control of your life.

Anxiety and Panic

The main symptom of this type of anxiety disorder is the panic itself. It can occur in direct response to a situation (such as a darkened room or an unfamiliar social setting), or a specific object (such as water or dogs). The intensity of a panic attack will typically only last for a minute or two; however, it may take thirty minutes to several hours before all of the symptoms and emotions surrounding the panic attack to fully subside. Panic attacks seem so similar to the description of a heart attack that most people go immediately to an emergency medical facility during their first attack. Subsequent attacks may continue to occur several times a week, often with the same intensity as the first attack.

Who Suffers From Anxiety Panic Attack Disorder

Almost 75% of the individuals who suffer from panic attacks are women. However, this statistic is calculated from the people who seek treatment for their condition. And men are more likely to avoid seeking help out of a fear of embarrassment. Anxiety Panic Attack Disorder begins to develop in most people between the ages of twenty and thirty, and it’s uncommon for the disorder to suddenly appear in an elderly person.
There are several personality types which are most often associated with Anxiety Panic Attack Disorder. These include those who are extremely analytical or sensitive, those who have a tendency to overreact, those with low self-esteem, those who obsess, those who need to be in control at all times, those who have high expectations, those who worry easily, those who are easily irritated, and those who have a nervous disposition.

When to Call a Doctor

If you think you’re suffering from an anxiety related panic attack, your health care provider can help you evaluate and diagnose your condition. If you are unsure if your symptoms are caused by a panic attack, or another medical condition, call 911 or go to an emergency medical facility immediately. Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience crushing chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating; or if you symptoms are more intense or lasting for a longer duration than normal; or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

At the Doctor's Office

When you make an appointment to be evaluated for your condition, you can expect a serious of physical and mental tests to help diagnose your particular disorder. Your health care provider will ask for your medical history as well as any family history of anxiety disorders. They will also perform a physical examination, paying close attention to your pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. And you may also undergo diagnostic tests such as a CBC (complete blood count), thyroid function test, and an electrocardiogram. Be prepared to answer the following questions to help your physician better understand your symptoms:

1. When did your attacks begin?
2. Are they triggered by a specific object, situation, or event?
   
3. What are the physical symptoms associated with your attacks?
   
4. What other symptoms do you experience?
   
5. Does anything make your symptoms better? Worse?
   
6. What medications are you taking?
   

Anxiety Panic attack Disorder: Learning More

If you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety panic attacks, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the disorder and its treatment. Researchers are constantly publishing the results of new trials and studies on everything from treatment methods to causes of anxiety disorders. Your health care provider may not be as familiar with every aspect of the most recent research available. So it’s up to you to be an advocate for yourself, to make sure you obtain the most appropriate treatment method available for you and your condition.

Learn more about stress, anxiety, depression and the newest natural remedies at www.stress-anxiety-depression.org.