Panic and/or Agoraphobia

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

FDR

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences repeated attacks of out-of-the-blue, out-of-control anxiety and is preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack.

Agoraphobia is characterized by excessive fear of being in situations where escape would be difficult or help unavailable, most commonly, if a panic attack were to occur. Agoraphobia without panic disorder is rare, affecting less than one percent of the American population.

If you have panic disorder, then you may have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. During a panic attack, most likely your heart will pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, faint or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of emptiness or fear of impending doom or loss of control.

Since many of the symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders, people with panic disorder often make many visits to emergency rooms or doctors’ offices, convinced they have a life-threatening illness. It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis.

You may not know that your disorder is real and can be highly responsive to treatment. You may be afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone, including your doctors and loved ones. You may fear being labeled a hypochondriac. The disorder often occurs with other mental and physical disorders, including depression, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or substance abuse. This may complicate getting a correct diagnosis.

You can read more about panic at the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov, specifically www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org) websites, as well as www.verywellmind.com/prevalence-of-phobias-in-the-united-states-2671912.

I can help diagnose your situation. I have extensive experience with panic and would like to talk with you about your situation. Do not let your panic persist. Please contact me at Karen@Psychologist-NH.com.