All you need to know about Panic Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment

Do you feel an unexpected wave of fear and anxiety often? This could be a sign of Panic Disorder. Check out the symptoms to know more.

By Aashna Jain

Updated on Mar 19, 2019 | 06:33 PM IST | 1.8M

WHAT IS PANIC DISORDER?

Some people experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks. These attacks occur out of the blue and create an intense fear or discomfort. This feeling of intense fear causes various psychological and physical symptoms to occur. When an individual has experienced more than one panic attack, this could be a sign of panic disorder. A panic attack can happen anywhere and at anytime. If you notice a change in your routine to keep yourself away from the attack, you might have panic disorder.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

A person feels overwhelmed and terrified. Majority of people mistake panic attacks for heart attacks. The symptoms of panic attacks are distressing and can make a person feel as if he’s dying. These attacks can be expected or unexpected.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PANIC DISORDER?

Dizziness

Panic attacks usually last for about 10 minutes but some symptoms may stay for longer. People who have experienced one panic attack are said to be at a greater risk of having another one than people who haven’t experienced it at all. When these attacks are repeated, a person is said to have panic disorder.

HOW TO STOP A PANIC ATTACK?

There are some techniques which you can apply to calm your body from panic attacks.

Practice Deep Breathing

This can helps to control your breathing and bring it back to normal. Shortness of breath is a symptom of panic attacks which can make you feel frantic. Deep breathe for about 4 seconds; hold in for a second and release it for a total of 4 seconds.

Focus on an object

Find an object around you and focus on it. Note everything about the object – colour, size, pattern etc. This may sound weird but it helps in diverting your mind. You can do this in your head or speak to someone around you.

Focus on an object

Calm Yourself

Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary and you’ll be okay. Say positive things and calm down.

Muscle relaxation techniques

Your body is out of control and it needs to settle down. Progressive muscle relaxation like clenching your fist, relaxing each muscle of your body from neck to your legs, can help to gain back some control.