How You Can Manage Daily Life With a Panic Disorder

Daily life can be a challenge. If you live with a panic disorder, then daily life can sometimes seem daunting. Panic attacks can be unpredictable. When you experience a panic attack, it can be scary. But what if you could manage your panic disorder symptoms in a healthier way? 

Panic disorders stem from anxiety. When diagnosed with a panic disorder, you may have noticed that you have been experiencing periods of extreme worry without cause. Living daily life with a panic disorder can be a challenge, but with the right kind of therapy and a solid treatment program, you can live a happier life.

Without having to worry constantly about a panic attack, you can accomplish more during the day. With outpatient therapy programs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offered by Alter Wellness Care, the right treatment can help immensely.

What Is a Panic Disorder?

Living with a panic disorder, you may have had the experience of having frequent and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden wave of fear that washes over you, which is uncomfortable. You may feel the sense that you lost control without reason or no apparent trigger or danger.

It is important to note that while many people living with an anxiety disorder can experience a panic attack, not every person will be diagnosed with a panic disorder. Panic attacks, however, are common with a panic disorder and can be a cause for concern. If left untreated, panic attacks can become more frequent and troublesome.

Those diagnosed with a panic disorder are sometimes forced to may significant lifestyle changes. This means that to avoid a panic attack, they may stop going out or do fewer daily activities. Having a panic disorder can significantly change your lifestyle.

Signs of a Panic Disorder

The symptoms of a panic disorder include:

• Sudden and frequent panic attacks caused by overwhelming fear and anxiety
• Fear of losing control or death during a panic attack
• Fear of impending doom as though something awful will happen without any present danger
• Intensified worries about when and where the next panic attack will occur
• Avoiding and being fearful of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past

Physical Symptoms of Panic Disorder

It is also important to note the physical symptoms that come when having a panic attack. The physical symptoms include:

• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Sweating
• Chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Trembling uncontrollably
• Weakness or dizziness
• Tingling or numbness in hands
• Chest pain as though you are having a heart attack or are in cardiac arrest
• Nausea or severe stomach pain

Talking to your doctor about your symptoms is vital to planning a proper treatment program. If left untreated, panic attacks could grow worse enough that they affect the way you live daily life. With the proper diagnosis, you can begin treatment that will significantly lower your risk of a panic attack. 

Being Diagnosed With Panic Disorder

Understanding why you may experience panic attacks and are at risk for a panic disorder is important before planning treatment. Panic disorder can sometimes run in families. However, there is little evidence to explain why some family members get diagnosed and experience this disorder while others do not. 

Studies have shown that parts of the brain and certain biological processes have a significant impact on the experience of fear and anxiety. Researchers have suggested that panic attacks act as false alarms telling your body that you are in harm when you are, in fact, in no danger at all.

The central feature of being diagnosed with a panic disorder is having panic attacks out of the blue, with no real threat or danger. Researchers today are studying how factors, including environment and stress, contribute to having a panic attack.

Effective Treatment Options for Panic Disorder

Talking to a healthcare provider such as those at Alter Wellness Care can help you get the proper diagnosis for your symptoms. The two forms of treatment that are best suited for panic disorder are specialized psychotherapy and medication.

CBT for Panic Attacks

CBT has been shown to be effective when treating panic disorder. The goal of CBT is to change how you think cognitively before a panic attack begins. It also deals with emotions and behaviors that lead to faulty thinking. 

Learning how to react in a different manner can significantly reduce the severity and the number of panic attacks you experience. Educating yourself on the best form of treatment that works for you is crucial to getting the help you need.

Medication for Panic Disorder

Medication has also been shown as an effective form of treatment for panic disorder. Healthcare providers such as primary care physicians and psychiatrists can help you find the right medication for your symptoms. Medication, however, may take some patience, so having the help of a psychotherapist is important. 

Having a panic disorder can be scary. However, with the right method of treatment, you can find peace in your daily life. Panic attacks do not have to rule your life, so talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. Outpatient programs can help significantly reduce your symptoms. Alter Wellness Care offers programs that can help you find peace of mind when living with this unpredictable mental health disorder.

If you are experiencing frequent and unexpected panic attacks or have been diagnosed with a panic disorder, there is hope. With the help and encouragement from the licensed medical professionals at Alter Wellness Care, you can live a better and fuller life. We offer therapy programs and treatment options that will work for you when you need them most. Our therapy options include psychotherapy and CBT, which have proven to help treat those who experience panic attacks. Call our office at (866) 311-3510, so we can provide you with the latest information on our programs. You do not have to fight your mental health condition alone. Alter Wellness Care is here to help you win the fight.