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Panic at the party. The nearly six million American sufferers of panic disorder can find themselves experiencing intense physiological "fight-or-flight" responses; even to apparently everyday and non-stress-inducing situations as simple as hanging out with friends. These attacks plague those with the disorder and there no is complete cure.
body that hide stress — normally the hands and sometimes the neck. If the places are cold, there is more of a chance that a person is anxious. The sensors attached to the stress-triggered areas then send the body a sensation that decreases the panic arousal. All the while, the patient is able to watch their levels of stress decrease on a computer screen. Lewis explains it like somebody looking into a mirror: "If you want to make changes, you have to see what you have to change first. You are able to see on a screen what you are changing when working with biofeedback."
Medication, another part of panic-disorder therapy, comes in many different forms depending on one's type of anxiety. Patients often have to try out a few before they can find the perfect one that will help their anxiety. Typically, patients who suffer from panic disorder are prescribed to a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil. These antidepressants are used to level out the serotonin in the patient's brain, which helps increase its "relaxation response." These types of medicine, however, typically take about three weeks to set in. They have to get into the body's system, and evenly distribute throughout one's blood stream.
In the meantime, there are other forms of medication known as benzodiazepines, such
as Xanax, Valium, Ativan or Klonopin. These medications are great if you need a "quick fix" or are having a panic attack and need to calm down. Owens warns, however, that they are highly addictive and easily abused. They have a lifespan of about two hours and are easy to abuse because one's body will get used to them.
Koch says that her general anxiety grew a lot after her first attack and she still occasionally suffers from them. However, she has been seeing a nurse practitioner and taking medication and is becoming aware of what is actually occurring in her mind. She says that she has good days and some bad days. The bad days are still terrifying.
Becoming aware of what is happening in my mind has helped me deal with my disorder. Yes, from time to time I will have a panic attack — probably half the time very discreetly. Regardless, I have come a long way since my first attack. It's been four years now, and that big red panic button ... well, let's just say it now collects dust.
Along with Koch, I am taking medication. My doctor has given me Zoloft, and I have learned to cope very well.
Phobias that give people panic attacks.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services" Phobias and Panic booklet, these are 10 fears that send people into panic mode.
1. EREMOPHOBIA Fear of being alone
2. DECIDOPHOBIA Fear of making decisions
3. TOPOPHOBIA Fear of performing (stage freight)
4. TROPOHOBIA Fear of moving or making changes
5. GATOPHOBIA Fear of cats
7. PYROPHOBIA Fear of fire
6. HYDROPHOBIA Fear of water
8. AEROPHOBIA Fear of flying
9. KATAGELOPHOBIA Fear of ridicule, or being made fun of
10. GYNOPHOBIA Fear of women
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