What is Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia?

Topic: What is Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia?

Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia?

Panic disorder is characterised by the repeated occurrence of unexpected panic attacks, during which the individual experiences a strong fear with anticipation of death. These attacks are often accompanied by somatic symptoms such as palpitations, dyspnoea or faintness. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by the experience of abrupt attacks of intense physical symptoms that seem to happen out of the blue. These symptoms include racing heartbeat, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, tingling, nausea, and trembling. Panic disorder is one of the anxiety disorders, and anxiety is associated with some locomotor activity changes such as "restlessness". However, there have been few studies on locomotor activity in panic disorder using actigraphy, although many studies on other psychiatric disorders have been reported using actigraphy.

Panic disorder differs from an isolated panic attack, both clinically and in treatment. Many patients respond to a combination of lifestyle change, especially control of caffeine and alcohol use, and cognitive behaviour therapy. Panic disorders may be long-lasting and difficult to treat. Some people with this disorder may not be cured with treatment. Panic disorder occurs in about three to six million Americans and is twice as common in women as it is in men. Individuals who suffer from panic disorder experience feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly without warning.

Agoraphobia is the extreme fear or avoidance that an individual associates with anxiety. Individuals with agoraphobia cannot leave their homes because their fears and anxiety are so intense. Agoraphobia may become so severe that the individual never leaves his or her home. Agoraphobia involves fear and avoidance of situations or places where escape might be difficult, or where help might not be available should one have a panic attack. Children and teens can become fearful of entering situations where they might have a panic attack.

Panic disorder is not fatal. It is a treatable disease and it is easily diagnosed. Panic disorder affects twice as many women as men. In the general population, the lifetime chance of developing panic disorder may be as high as 5%–10%. Panic disorder is thought to affect approximately 1-2 per cent of Australians each year. Panic attacks are very frightening and after 2 or 3 episodes some people develop the additional problem of agoraphobia, which is a fear of going out in case a panic attack should occur.