If you’ve ever had such overwhelming fear and anxiety that you began experiencing physical symptoms, you may have had a panic attack. A panic attack happens when feelings of fear overpower you, and it often occurs suddenly without warning. A panic attack once in a while caused by an emergency situation is normal. However, frequent bouts of panic attacks could mean that you have a panic disorder.
Living with a panic disorder can have long-term effects on your mental as well as physical health. Fortunately, you can seek help and treatment from a psychiatrist if you are showing symptoms of panic disorder. A psychiatrist can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks, so you can take back control of your life.
Panic Disorder
When faced with stressful events or situations, it’s normal for humans to get anxious. However, with a panic disorder, you experience fear and anxiety without legitimate triggers. Panic attacks can happen out of nowhere – even in dangerous situations, like when you are driving your kids to school or operating machinery.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Someone with a panic disorder will likely experience the following symptoms:
- Feeling debilitating fear and anxiety for no reason
- A wave of terror that is so intense that you forget what you are doing
- A racing heart or heart palpitations
- Sweating, trembling and shaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness and pain
- Feeling as if you’re being choked or smothered
- Nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness
- Abdominal pain
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Feeling cold
- Hot flashes
- Feeling as if you are going to die
In an ongoing panic attack, it is normal to experience two or more symptoms at the same time.
Dangers of a Panic Disorder
A panic disorder can pose a threat to your safety and well-being. In addition, having panic disorder may increase your risk of turning to alcohol or drugs in an effort to ease symptoms. What’s worse is that alcohol and drugs can further exacerbate the disorder, leading it to become a vicious cycle. People with panic disorders are also much more likely to be depressed. This is because the persistent fear of another attack occurring can make you avoid events, places, and people and become closed off from the world.
If you experience panic attacks frequently, don’t try to handle it alone. There are medical professionals who are educated and trained in diagnosing and treating such conditions. Get in touch with a psychiatrist as soon as possible. There are many ways to treat panic disorder, including medications, techniques, psychotherapy, and more. You will be on the road to recovery before you know it.
Panic Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in Connecticut
You do not have to live with the debilitating symptoms of panic disorder. A psychiatrist can be your ally on the road to recovery. Take back control of your life today by seeking help.
At Psy-Visions, our compassionate team can help alleviate your symptoms and reduce the frequency of your panic attacks. To schedule a consultation, call (203) 405-1745 or request an appointment now.
