Panic Disorder
In order to discuss Panic Disorder, it is necessary to first understand what constitutes a Panic Attack, which is the primary component of Panic Disorder.
Panic Attack
Panic attacks may occur in the
context of any of the anxiety disorders, and sometimes occur as a
component of other mental health disorders, such as substance abuse.
Panic attacks are related to perceived, not real, danger. Symptoms of
panic attack may be related to the mind, the body, or both, and may
include the following:
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- A choking sensation
- Chest pains
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Derealization, or a sense that one has lost contact with reality
- Fear of going crazy or losing control
- Numbing or tingling sensations
- Fear of dying
- Chills or hot flashes
A panic attack comes on suddenly, builds to a climax that is often
terrifying, is usually accompanied with a sense of impending doom from
which one must escape, and usually subsides with 10 minutes or less.
The occurrence of panic attacks
- May be completely unexpected
- May be anticipated, but only in specific situations or places
- Or may be likely to occur, but do not always occur, in a specific situation
Panic Disorder
The experience of two or more unexpected panic attacks, including physiological symptoms such as those listed above, and an ongoing concern about having another attack, defines what it means to be suffering from panic disorder. A panic disorder also implies that the sufferer focuses his or her attention on the feared attack or its consequences (such as not being able to escape the situation or the fear of dying), rather than on the situation or the embarrassment that having an attack might cause. If the sufferer is focused on the situation or the embarrassment, he or she is more likely to be experiencing a phobic reaction to a specific situation, rather than a panic attack related to Panic Disorder.
If the teen develops a fear of going to specific places (shopping mall, a theater), or participating in a particular activity (driving a car, standing in line, drinking coffee), because he or she is afraid that being in that place or participating in that activity will trigger a panic attack and he or she will not be able to obtain necessary help or escape from the dreaded situation, the diagnosis is Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.
Panic disorder affects over 6 million people in the US, is twice as likely to occur in females than males, and is often associated with depression.
For Further Information see:
Specific Phobias
Teen Social Phobia - Teen Social Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) In Teens
Stress Related Disorders in Teens
Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Teens
Treatment For Teen Anxiety
Teen Anxiety Resources & References
