Men and women with anxiety know how disruptive panic attacks can be to their everyday lives. What is a panic disorder? It is a type of mental health disorder that can cause irrational fear, physical pain, and other symptoms that can make a person feel as if they are dying. While there is no cure for panic disorders, there are several types of panic disorder treatment that can reduce the frequency of future attacks.
At Crestview Recovery, we support individuals who struggle with social anxiety, PTSD, or other types of panic disorders. Our team of certified behavioral therapists and medical staff work together to create a comprehensive treatment program that focuses on your individual symptoms and causes of anxiety. You will work with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions to talk about the reasons behind the anxiety and develop new ways to process your feelings. For more information about our panic disorder treatment, call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our team and schedule a tour of our facility.
What Is a Panic Disorder?
A panic disorder is a condition where individuals feel sudden, intense emotions that can overwhelm them and lead to panic and fear, even if there is no real perceived threat. They can happen at any time, and symptoms can last up to an hour. The attack can leave people feeling exhausted and worn out once it is over.
All of us have a natural fight-or-flight response that is a part of our DNA. In normal situations, it can prepare you for stressful or tense situations by increasing your heart rate and adrenaline and focusing your attention. For some individuals, their fight-or-flight response system overreacts to normal, everyday situations and can lead to a growing sense of panic and fear. Other signs of a panic disorder include stomach pain and nausea, numbness in hands and feet, trembling, chills or hot flashes, and excessive sweating.
There are several different types of panic disorders that can affect men and women equally. These include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety disorders
- Specific phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
At Crestview Recovery, we work with individuals who struggle with panic disorders and need help managing their symptoms. We teach clients healthy ways of coping with their anxiety instead of using drugs or alcohol, along with holistic skills to improve all aspects of their lives.
Recognizing Panic Disorder Symptoms
Panic disorders are treatable when men and women work with a behavioral therapist to talk about their feelings and understand why they happen. Panic disorders are caused by a number of issues, including genetics, peer pressure, or experiencing a single or recurring traumatic event. Here are some of the more common panic disorder symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
Some of the physical symptoms of panic disorders include high blood pressure, racing heart rate, sweating, and trembling. In addition, some clients may begin to hyperventilate or feel like they are choking, as well as feel stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Some people can experience chest pain or experience symptoms that mimic a heart attack. These attacks can last anywhere from five to 20 minutes, with more severe cases lasting an hour.
Mental Symptoms
The mental symptoms of a panic attack include feeling dizzy or lightheaded or feeling like they are disconnected from themselves. They may feel like they are “going crazy” or generally out of control, which can lead to increasing fear and panic. Other symptoms include repeating irrational thoughts, an overly-heightened sense of awareness, and impending doom.
Recognizing the signs of a panic disorder is important to know if you or a loved one has a panic disorder. Knowing what triggers the attacks can go a long way toward minimizing your symptoms and preventing future attacks.
Find Compassionate Panic Disorder Treatment at Crestview Recovery
What is a panic disorder, and what are the best treatment options? Crestview Recovery has experience treating panic disorders through our accredited mental health treatment facility. We take the time to build trust and open communication with each client to help them open up about their anxiety and learn new ways to cope with their feelings. We use the latest treatment techniques for treating panic disorders that include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
If you struggle with a panic disorder and need help managing your symptoms, call 866.262.0531 or send us a message online, and we will call you back as soon as possible.
