One might assume that experiencing panic attacks is just part of some kind of anxiety disorder, and yet there exists a particular type of panic disorder which is looked at as a separate thing, with particular traits that set it apart as a separate condition. But it involves cautious diagnosis in relation to specific criteria because the profound panic attacks associated with this condition could also be signs of different problems. Accordingly, before the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment started, a physician needs to rule out other problems, for example post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other phobias.
One of the most revealing characteristics of this form of anxiety illness is that the attacks for the most part appear to emerge out of the blue. The panic springs up instantaneously and quite frequently manifests as a terror of something that should not logically be feared.
There might be triggers, like a high amount of stress in an individual’s life, a physical health problem, or maybe certain medications they might be taking. Nevertheless, oftentimes the trigger for any particular anxiety attack won’t appear to be associated with those things, but will concentrate on something for which this level of anxiety is way out of proportion.
Researchers trying to find specific causes of this anxiety disorder have thus far not narrowed things down to much more than generalities. Studies suggest a genetic component, since this kind of social phobia often runs in families. But there is also evidence that other physical conditions might play some role, so that people with hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism, for example, might be at a higher risk for these panic attacks. Those who take stimulants, for instance an excessive amount of caffeine, or people who react to the stimulating qualities of SSRIs throughout the early stages of depression treatment, might also experience panic attacks.
While the conventional wisdom is that the best treatment for these anxiety attacks is cognitive therapy instead of drug therapy, there is a growing opinion that a combination of the two may actually address this anxiety disorder best. While cognitive therapy helps the patient restructure their thought patterns to avert the escalation of panicked responses, typically this disorder responds well to SSRIs, despite the fact that their stimulant properties might worsen the problem in certain people. It may require some work to achieve a proper balance of treatments, but if these panic attacks are able to be controlled or eliminated, then the patient will feel it was well worth the work.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a debilitating condition, one that millions of people deal with on a daily basis. If you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, it’s important that you seek out treatment as soon as possible. Find out about the various approaches to managing the condition at Fighting Anxiety.