There are a lot of different kinds of anxiety disorders, but maybe one of the most terrible and debilitating forms is called anxiety and panic disorder. This disorder is a serious health problem, but it can be handled successfully. Many scientists calculate that approximately 1.7% of American adults have suffered from anxiety and panic disorder at one point in their lives.
Anxiety and panic disorder is frequently linked to -- or even misdiagnosed -- as agoraphobia, but the two disorders are not the same, though a few scientists believe that as many as more than 30% of anxiety panic disorder sufferers also suffer from agoraphobia.
Anxiety and Panic Disorder Symptoms
The symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder are particularly frightening when compared to the other types of anxiety disorders. An individual with anxiety and panic disorder suffers from intense periods of extreme anxiety called panic attacks. These can last up to an hour, although 1-10 minutes is more common. What makes the panic attacks worse is that they could wax and wane for several hours, occurring one right after another.
The panic attacks cause palpitations in the heart, sweating, lightheadedness, shakiness, and shortness of breath -- and that's just the physical signs. The attacks cause overwhelming, unmanageable fright, and many patients even say they feel like they are “going crazy” in the middle of them.
When and How Frequently Does Anxiety and Panic Disorder Occur?
Often, anxiety and panic disorder occurs in early adulthood. About half of its sufferers acquire the condition under the age of 24. Almost all of its other sufferers are between 25 and 30 years old, and the fairer sex is twice as likely as males to acquire anxiety and panic disorder.
When an individual acquires anxiety and panic disorder, it could keep on for many weeks or even years, depending on whether the individual searches for intervention or not. If the person opts not to obtain treatment, anxiety and panic disorder can become a serious problem and gravely impact a person's quality of life. It is likewise a type of social anxiety disorder, since sufferers report that their panic attacks affect everything they do, their relationships, even their career.
It is very important that anxiety and panic disorder be successfully detected as early as possible because its symptoms are so severe. Death rates in individuals with anxiety and panic disorder are observed to be higher than the death rate in the general population, and the main cause is determined to be suicide, even though medical doctors are not sure if it's just anxiety and panic disorder or the combination of it and other health issues.
Available Treatments
Thankfully, anxiety and panic disorder can be effectively dealt with. Usually, cognitive behavioral therapy is used. The patient works with health care providers to help subdue distressing thoughts and reduce or get rid of the attacks. Medication is generally not needed, but in some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressant drugs or anti-anxiety medications, which are taken as needed.
Get Help Right Away
If you believe you have anxiety and panic disorder, don't be afraid to contact your doctor and seek assistance -- your life is going to be so much better once you get it in check.
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