Panic Disorder

Definition

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of experiencing future panic attacks. It is a mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Panic disorder is often characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that can occur without a clear trigger.
2. Individuals with panic disorder may experience a range of physical symptoms during a panic attack, including rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, and trembling.
3. Panic disorder is typically diagnosed when an individual experiences at least two unexpected panic attacks and has a persistent fear of experiencing future attacks.
4. Panic disorder can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may avoid situations or activities that they fear may trigger a panic attack.
5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, are common treatments for panic disorder.

Review Questions

• Explain how panic disorder is classified and diagnosed within the context of psychological disorders.
  • Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the primary diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals. To be diagnosed with panic disorder, an individual must have experienced at least two unexpected panic attacks and have a persistent fear of experiencing future attacks. This fear and avoidance of panic attacks can significantly interfere with an individual's daily life and functioning, which is a key criterion for the diagnosis of panic disorder.
• Describe the relationship between panic disorder and other anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Panic disorder is closely linked to other anxiety disorders, as they often share common symptoms and underlying mechanisms. For example, individuals with panic disorder may develop agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing. Additionally, panic disorder can co-occur with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), where an individual experiences persistent and excessive worry about a variety of issues. The relationship between these disorders highlights the complex and interrelated nature of anxiety-related mental health conditions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment approaches for panic disorder, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, and discuss how these treatments can help individuals manage and overcome the condition.
  • Panic disorder is typically treated using a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. CBT has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of panic disorder, as it helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their panic attacks. Medications, on the other hand, can help alleviate the physical symptoms of panic attacks and reduce the overall frequency and intensity of the episodes. When used in conjunction, these treatment approaches can help individuals with panic disorder regain control over their symptoms, reduce their fear and avoidance of panic-inducing situations, and improve their overall quality of life.

Related terms

Panic Attack: A sudden and intense episode of fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Agoraphobia:

A type of anxiety disorder where an individual experiences intense fear or anxiety in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, such as being in crowds, using public transportation, or being outside the home alone.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

A chronic and excessive worry about a variety of issues, such as work, health, or family, that can interfere with daily activities and functioning.