You might assume that experiencing panic attacks is just part of a general anxiety disorder, and yet there exists a specific type of panic disorder which is considered to be a discrete thing, with various attributes that differentiate it as its own disorder. However, it calls for cautious diagnosis determined by particular criteria because the intense panic attacks related to this condition can also be problems associated with different disorders. Therefore, before the right diagnosis is made and treatment started, a medical professional will have to rule out other problems, for example post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other phobias.

One of the most telling characteristics of this sort of anxiety illness is that the attacks for the most part appear to emerge out of the blue. The panic springs up instantaneously and quite frequently manifests as a terror of something that should not rationally be feared.

There may be triggers, such as an elevated amount of stress in the sufferer’s life, a physical illness, or even certain medications they could be taking. But oftentimes the catalyst for any particular anxiety attack won’t seem to be linked to those things, but will concentrate on something for which this amount of anxiety is way out of proportion.

Research into the causes of panic disorder points in all sorts of directions. It looks as if there is a genetic aspect, and some research into this anxiety disorder also point to body chemistry as at least a partial factor. For instance, some researchers believe an imbalance in the limbic system leads to false information being sent to the region of the brain known as the amygdala, which triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response.

Treatment for this sort of anxiety disorder may need to be used in tandem with that of other conditions, since such things as clinical depression or alcohol abuse are often linked to panic disorder. The most suitable treatment for these panic attacks seems to be cognitive therapy instead of pharmacological therapy, thought this condition does seem to respond positively in certain cases to the SSRIs that are used to manage depression. Some doctors, however, feel that a combination of both cognitive and drug therapy will do the best job of helping with the attacks and preventing relapses.

Chronic anxiety is a debilitating condition, one that millions of people deal with on a daily basis. If you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, it’s important that you seek out treatment as soon as possible. Find out about the various approaches to managing the condition at Fighting Anxiety.

categories: panic attacks,panic disorder,anxiety disorder,anxiety,mental health