Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected or repeated episodes of extreme fear accompanied by physical symptoms, including chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Panic attacks are intense and can be very frightening physically and psychologically. Approximately 1.7% of the adult population in the United States suffers from panic disorder in any given year. Many people in Boise, Idaho, have been diagnosed with this mental health condition and get proper treatment. Still, many others struggle with their symptoms because they do not realize why they have them.
Individuals with panic disorder suffer from panic attacks that can be intense and frightening. Many people report that they believe they are dying from a panic attack. Fortunately, panic disorder is highly treatable. At Ashwood Recovery, we provide comprehensive panic disorder treatment programs for individuals with panic disorder. Contact us at 888.341.3607 to learn more about our programs.
Panic Attacks Are Different Than Anxiety Attacks
Panic attacks can happen to anyone, and most people will experience one during their lifetime. Having more than one panic attack can indicate a panic disorder. The DSM-5 (the standard for diagnostic criteria of mental health disorders) identifies anxiety disorders but not anxiety attacks. However, the DSM-5 does recognize panic attacks as a distinct diagnosis.
Anxiety attacks often lead to panic attacks, and you can experience both simultaneously. For example, you may have an anxiety attack while waiting for a medical test result, then have a panic attack when you receive it. Both types of attacks share some common physical symptoms, including:
- Heart palpitations or rapid heart rate and chest pain
- Shortness of breath and tightness in the throat
- Sweating, hot flashes, and chills
- Nausea, stomach pains, or vomiting
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
The common psychological symptom is fear. With anxiety attacks, other psychological symptoms include restlessness, distress, apprehension, and worry, which are not present in panic attacks. The main psychological symptoms that differentiate the two are that panic attacks have the following additional symptoms:
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- Sense of detachment from oneself or the world
The best way to distinguish between a panic attack or an anxiety attack is to know that anxiety attacks develop slowly and range from mild to severe, whereas panic attacks are sudden and intense.
Promise: Offering Panic Disorder Treatment in Boise, Idaho
At Ashwood Recovery, we understand the complexities of mental health issues like panic disorder. Those who suffer from this condition are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms. But even if they do not, they need professional help and a way to get relief from their suffering.
Promise is our mental health treatment program for people who suffer from acute psychotic and severe psychological issues. It offers partial hospitalization, or day treatment, for those who need it. We have found that once our clients get the support they need, they can better manage their conditions.
Our clients receive individualized treatment plans to help them achieve their unique treatment goals. Our curriculum is varied and may include:
- Trauma therapy
- Building new skills
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Goal setting and evaluation
- Mental health education
- Yoga, mediation, and Tai Chi
The program includes support groups, medication management, medical services, therapy, and crisis intervention services.
How is Panic Disorder Treated in Boise, Idaho?
There are many ways to treat panic disorder, so practitioners need to tailor treatment to the individual. People all have various needs when it comes to their mental health. It is critical to consider those needs before prescribing treatment. At Ashwood Recovery, some of the methods we use to treat panic disorder include:
- Prescribing antidepressants – These may be used as more of a long-term solution. The right antidepressants can stop panic attacks from occurring at all.
- Prescribing benzodiazepines – Often referred to as anti-anxiety drugs, these medications are used as a quick solution when panic attacks strike. They are typically only taken as needed, although some people may need to take them regularly.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – CBT shows people how to change their perceptions of their circumstances and negative thinking patterns.
- Panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy – PFPP helps people uncover past experiences and emotional problems that contribute to panic disorder.
- Exposure therapy – Treatment involves exposing the individual to situations that may trigger their panic attacks. Exposures are done in a controlled environment to learn new coping techniques.