Panic disorder facts and statistics show that the incidence of people suffering from panic disorder is growing, with several million people in America alone reporting symptoms of the condition.
The facts about panic disorder are brought together in this article.
Panic Disorder Facts - Definition Panic disorder is defined as the occurrence of 4 or more panic attacks over a 4 week period, OR the occurrence of 1 or more panic attacks accompanied by continuous fear that another attack will happen ,that occurs over a four week period.
Panic Disorder Facts - Statistics According to the NIMH, panic disorder is prevalent in over 2.
4 million American adults ( age range of 18-54 years).
This equates to approximately 1.
7% of the entire population at the time the statistics were tabled.
Panic disorder is more prevalent in women than in men, with the latest figures showing that women have about 75% of all panic attacks.
Panic Disorder Facts - Symptoms The symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, however the most common symptoms are: 1.
Racing heart rate, heart palpitations or chest pain 2.
Rapid breathing and shortness of breath 3.
Light headedness, dizziness and the feeling you are going to faint 4.
Incredible sense of dread and uncontrollable fear that you are about to die, 5.
Nervous twitches and uncontrollable shaking 6.
Chills and shivers, or conversely hot flushes 7.
Pins and needles in the fingers and toes Panic Disorder Facts: Panic Disorder Cycle The term "Panic Disorder Cycle" is used to describe the loop of events that result in continuing panic attacks.
This loop consists of the three phases of anxiety build-up, development of strong fear and then a full blown panic attack.
The loop then continues, starting with the build up of anxiety again.
Treatment of panic disorder can only be successful once the panic attack cycle is broken.
Panic Disorder Facts - Treatments The medical treatment of panic disorder is usually a two step approach that uses both counselling and medication to control the condition.
The counselling most commonly used is a form of psycho-therapy known as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
This takes the form of multiple sessions over an average period of 8-15 treatments.
The counselling focuses on teaching a new approach to how the panic attack sufferer views the panic attack process and demonstrates methods of preventing anxiety.
Medications used often include substances from the anti-depressant group and usually has to be taken for about a year.
Once this medication process is commenced it cannot be suddenly stopped.
Medication has to be withdrawn gradually or it can cause severe side effects.
Clearly, panic disorder cannot be dismissed as simply a case of "nervousness" as it often is by those who do not understand the condition or have not experienced its effects.
The panic disorder facts are that panic attack is a very real condition that adversely affects the quality of life of millions of people the world over.
The facts about panic disorder are brought together in this article.
Panic Disorder Facts - Definition Panic disorder is defined as the occurrence of 4 or more panic attacks over a 4 week period, OR the occurrence of 1 or more panic attacks accompanied by continuous fear that another attack will happen ,that occurs over a four week period.
Panic Disorder Facts - Statistics According to the NIMH, panic disorder is prevalent in over 2.
4 million American adults ( age range of 18-54 years).
This equates to approximately 1.
7% of the entire population at the time the statistics were tabled.
Panic disorder is more prevalent in women than in men, with the latest figures showing that women have about 75% of all panic attacks.
Panic Disorder Facts - Symptoms The symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, however the most common symptoms are: 1.
Racing heart rate, heart palpitations or chest pain 2.
Rapid breathing and shortness of breath 3.
Light headedness, dizziness and the feeling you are going to faint 4.
Incredible sense of dread and uncontrollable fear that you are about to die, 5.
Nervous twitches and uncontrollable shaking 6.
Chills and shivers, or conversely hot flushes 7.
Pins and needles in the fingers and toes Panic Disorder Facts: Panic Disorder Cycle The term "Panic Disorder Cycle" is used to describe the loop of events that result in continuing panic attacks.
This loop consists of the three phases of anxiety build-up, development of strong fear and then a full blown panic attack.
The loop then continues, starting with the build up of anxiety again.
Treatment of panic disorder can only be successful once the panic attack cycle is broken.
Panic Disorder Facts - Treatments The medical treatment of panic disorder is usually a two step approach that uses both counselling and medication to control the condition.
The counselling most commonly used is a form of psycho-therapy known as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
This takes the form of multiple sessions over an average period of 8-15 treatments.
The counselling focuses on teaching a new approach to how the panic attack sufferer views the panic attack process and demonstrates methods of preventing anxiety.
Medications used often include substances from the anti-depressant group and usually has to be taken for about a year.
Once this medication process is commenced it cannot be suddenly stopped.
Medication has to be withdrawn gradually or it can cause severe side effects.
Clearly, panic disorder cannot be dismissed as simply a case of "nervousness" as it often is by those who do not understand the condition or have not experienced its effects.
The panic disorder facts are that panic attack is a very real condition that adversely affects the quality of life of millions of people the world over.
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