PANIC DISORDER

A brief introduction to a common disorder

Jean Hehn Unit 6 Human Behavior

WHAT IS PANIC DISORDER?

If a person suffers from several panic attacks and have spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, they may have a chronic condition called panic disorder.

Panic disorder is commonly known better as a condition in which a person suffers from panic attacks.

CAUSES OF PANIC ATTACKS OR PANIC DISORDER

It’s not clearly known what causes panic attacks or disorders, however things that may play a role are:

Genetics Stress Certain changes in the way parts of your

brain function

GENETICS

A family member may suffer from the disorder.

Children of parents who have panic disorder are up to 8 times more likely to develop the condition.

STRESS

Physical environment

Work environment

Home environment

Relationships with others

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTThe world around you in which you function

Noise

Pollution

People

Places

WORK ENVIRONMENTThe place in which you work

Bosses

Coworkers

Machine Noise

Deadlines

HOME ENVIRONMENTWhere you live your daily life

Family

Friends

Pets

House

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Personal relationships with those in your life

Significant other

Children

Parents

Siblings

BRAIN FUNCTION Low serotonin levels

Lack of or over active neurotransmitter activity

Vitamin deficiency

Brain trauma

SYMPTOMS MY INCLUDE A sense of impending doom or death

Rapid heart rate

Sweating

Trembling

Shortness of breath

Hyperventilation

SYMPTOMS, CONTINUED Nausea

Abdominal cramping

Chest pain

Headache

Dizziness

Faintness

STATISTICS FOR U.S. POPULATION AFFECTED

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 6.8 million, 3.1%

Panic Disorder: 6 million, 2.7%

Women are twice as likely to be afflicted than men

TREATMENT Medications

Psychotherapy

Alternative medicine

Lifestyle and home remedies

MEDICATION TREATMENTSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

(SSRIs) Prozac Paxil

Zoloft

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Effexor

Benzodiazpines Xanax

Klonopin

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Cognitive behavioral therapy help you change thinking

patterns that trigger your fears

Psychodynamic psychotherapy Increasing your awareness

of your unconscious thoughts and behaviors.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Relaxation training Deep breathing

Yoga Meditation

The nutritional supplement inositol Oral supplement

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES Stick to your treatment plan

Join a support group

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and illegal drugs

Get physically active

Get sufficient sleep

Practice stress management and relaxation techniques.

YOU ARE NOT ALONEThese people suffer from anxiety attacks

Delta BurkeSally Field Sir Isaac

Newton

Alanis Morisette Nicole Kidman

Dean Cain Ann Wilson Donny

Osmond

WHERE TO FIND HELP

Mental Health America (MHA) 1-800-969-6642

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

1-877-726-4727

Health Resources and Services Administration

1-877-464-4772