Mental health

Panic disorder

Living and coping with panic disorder

(NC)-In the course of a normal day, or a typical week, there are inevitably moments of concern, even true anxiety. For most people, these moments generally come and go, the worry is managed, and life goes on.

For the almost one million Canadians affected by panic disorder, however, their anxiety manifests itself as an attack of intense fear—even when there's no real danger.

Even worse, it is the fear of the attacks themselves—the fear of how immobilizing they are and how they interfere with the ability to manage day-to-day life—that can be potentially chronic and disabling. People with panic disorder may find that life as they know it grinds to a halt, resulting in potential job loss, social isolation and a diminishing ability to function normally in their existing lives.

In fact:

• 90 per cent of panic disorder patients believe they are suffering from a serious physical disorder and seek help in the general medical system.
• The stress and disruption that may result from panic disorder can have long-lasting personal, social and economic consequences.
• Among people with a history of panic disorder, 46% had an accompanying history of at least one of agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder or a major depressive disorder.

Although the exact cause of panic disorder is not entirely understood, experts believe that it is caused by a combination of biological and psychological factors. What is known, however, is that panic attacks may occur with physical symptoms such as:

• Racing/pounding heart
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Trembling/shaking
• Feeling of choking
• Chest pain/chills
• Numbness/tingling sensations

Thoughts and feelings which might occur include:

• Fear of losing control/going crazy
• Derealization/depersonalization
• Fear of dying

The good news is that panic disorder is treatable, under the supervision of a physician, with the goal of remission, or the virtual elimination of symptoms.

For more information on panic disorder, visit www.mypeaceofmind.ca.

Courtesy NewsCanada