Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Anyone who is trapped in a life-threatening situation is susceptible
to a panic reaction. A panic reaction consists of shallow, rapid breathing
(hyperventilating), increased heart rate (racing or pounding heart), and
intense anxiety. This happens when the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
has kicked into overdrive, and the body is flooded with adrenaline. SNS
activation prepares the individual for fight or flight, and so the heart
and lungs work harder to provide the system with what it needs (more oxygen
and glucose via the blood stream). Also, blood is diverted to the muscles
used for escape or battle (the long muscles in the arms and legs) and
away from areas that are not of primary importance in self-defense, such
as the brain and digestive system. During a panic reaction, hyperventilation
may cause the person to feel lightheaded or dizzy after a while, and since
the digestive system shuts down during the episode, nausea may set in.
A panic reaction, often referred to as a "panic attack," is
not pleasant, but it is an adaptive response to a clear and immediate
danger to the individual. However, in Panic Disorder, this reaction happens
at inappropriate times. That is, it can be triggered in the absence of
an actual threat of harm, and therefore interfere with the functioning
of that individual. Associations, or connections between a feared object
or situation and the panic response are formed, or learned. Sometimes,
people who suffer from panic disorder do not identify a specific object
or situation that sets off the reaction; it may seem mysterious, general
(occurring in reaction to various objects and/or situations), or vague
(as in reaction to certain themes or ideas). Whatever the reason, the
learning of a panic response to an objectively non-threatening object,
situation or theme is not intentional, but rather incidental. Nevertheless,
the connection is made, and it can strengthen if avoidance behavior in
reaction to the panic is practiced and reinforced. The immediate relief
of avoiding a feared object or situation is rewarding, but costly in the
long run, as the habit grows. At an advanced stage, some people may avoid
leaving the home due to the fear of having a panic attack outside, which
is perceived as a more dangerous environment. This is called "Panic
Disorder with Agoraphobia."
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a highly successful form
of treatment for Panic Disorder. In cognitive-behavioral
therapy, the person is assisted to break the connection
between what is feared and a panic reaction. Cognitive and
behavioral techniques are used to help combat the pattern
and free up the person to resume his or her normal level
of functioning.
Help begins with a phone call.
CTA is a network of experienced therapists across the New
York metro area. We strive to match you with the right therapist
for you, to help you to effectively manage and resolve issues
related to panic disorder and anxiety. To inquire about
an appointment, please call us at (212)
258-2577.
Keywords: panic attack, panic disorder, anxiety.
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