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Do I Have Panic Disorder If I Have Panic Attacks?

Do I Have Panic Disorder If I Have Panic Attacks?

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If you've recently had a panic attack, an intense bout of overwhelming fear, you might be wondering if you have panic disorder. Most people have a panic attack once or twice in their lifetime, especially during a stressful situation or period of time. However, if the panic attacks become recurrent and unexpected or you start persistently fearing that you will have another attack, you might have panic disorder.

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is a condition in which people have sudden and repeated panic attacks. Panic attacks are where it feels like their heart is pounding quickly and they feel an impending sense of doom. A person experiencing a panic attack may start to sweat, feel shortness of breath, and experience dizziness.

While most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes and peak within 10 minutes, the experience is often disorienting and can be quite frightening. When it starts to occur repeatedly, seemingly without reason, an individual may start to feel anxiety at the thought of another panic attack starting out of the blue. Then they'll start to try and avoid situations that might trigger an attack. This could be an indication of panic disorder. According to the American Psychological Association, one out of every 75 people might experience panic disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of panic disorder?

Panic disorder, like panic attacks, often begins in the late teens or early adult years. The disorder has both genetic factors associated with a family history and environmental factors like significant life transitions. People with panic disorder may experience:

  • Panic attacks that occur repeatedly when there is seemingly no reason
  • Worrying about when the next panic attack will occur
  • Avoidance of places where panic attacks have previously occurred
  • Changing daily activities for fear of another attack

Panic attacks are the main component of panic disorder. The following infographic displays some of their symptoms.

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Oftentimes, panic disorder occurs at the same time as other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Some people develop a condition called agoraphobia—the fear of being in crowds, standing in line, or going into shopping malls—out of fear of having another panic attack or being unable to escape.

What other mental health disorders are panic attacks associated with?

Panic attacks are associated with panic disorder. However, they can come about with the following mood and anxiety disorders:

  • Agoraphobia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
  • Specific phobias
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Major depressive disorder

How are panic attacks and panic disorder treated?

A doctor must diagnose panic disorder through an interview about your past health and a physical exam. Once diagnosed, treatment options include counseling and psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines can also be effective. SSRIs are antidepressants but help with the symptoms of panic disorders.

Treatment can help most people control or stop panic attacks. Early treatment may prevent additional disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder from appearing.

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Dr. Ho Anh

Chief Medical Officer, Cerebral

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OCD symptoms Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images (obsessions) Repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress Significant time spent on obsessions and compulsions, interfering with daily life Recognizing that obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable Anxiety symptoms Excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling Avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations Difficulty concentrating and sleeping Persistent feelings of restlessness or being on edge How are OCD and anxiety diagnosed? Diagnosing OCD and anxiety disorders involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This typically includes: Clinical interview: To discuss your symptoms, medical history, and impact on daily life. Questionnaires: To assess the severity of symptoms using standardized clinical tools. Observation: To note behaviors and physical signs of anxiety or compulsions. Diagnostic criteria: To make a diagnosis using criteria from the DSM-5. A thorough clinical evaluation and diagnosis inform a personalized treatment plan.  Can you have both OCD and anxiety? Yes, it is possible to have both OCD and an anxiety disorder, and co-occurrence of these conditions can be relatively common. While having one can increase the risk of developing the other; the likelihood of developing both is greater for those with OCD because of the condition’s severity. When both conditions are present, treatment plans should address OCD and anxiety symptoms to ensure comprehensive care. Why that matters: The presence of one condition can exacerbate the symptoms of the other, creating a complex interplay that can be challenging to manage, especially without ongoing professional help. What other conditions could it be? Several other conditions can present with symptoms similar to OCD and anxiety disorders but also have distinct treatment options. This makes a clinical evaluation or talking with a licensed professional all that more important. Conditions that could look like OCD or anxiety include: Depressive disorders: Persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Symptoms like difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and impulsivity can resemble anxiety and OCD, especially when the individual engages in repetitive behaviors or experiences significant worry and distractibility. Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations that result in avoidance behavior. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, leading to repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking, and significant distress. Undergo an evaluation with a licensed professional to discuss personalized treatment for your specific condition. Are the treatments different? Not always. There are similarities in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. Medication Medication is a common treatment option for both OCD and anxiety disorders, often helping to manage and alleviate symptoms. For both conditions, medications are often combined with therapy and other interventions. Therapy A therapist can provide non-medication strategies and support in managing symptoms for either condition. By learning essential tools and techniques, therapy fosters hope for long-term recovery and resilience for people with OCD as well as for those who have anxiety-related conditions. Coping strategies Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and stress management may be particularly helpful. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, balanced eating, and sufficient sleep also may help. By incorporating healthy coping strategies into your daily life, you are on the road to improving your mental health. How Cerebral can help If you are experiencing symptoms of OCD or an anxiety-related disorder, seeking help from a mental health professional is essential to getting the care you need. Online mental health services like Cerebral offer a convenient and accessible way to receive support for OCD and anxiety disorders. Cerebral provides: Therapy: Access online sessions with licensed therapists. Medication management: Consult with credentialed prescribers virtually to see if an online prescription and managing medication is appropriate for you. Educational resources: Explore articles, in-app exercises, and free mental health resources to help understand and manage symptoms. Services like Cerebral can be particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person care due to geographical, logistical, or personal reasons. Our team of experienced mental health professionals is here to explore personalized care and support if appropriate for you.  Do I have anxiety? Only a mental health professional can determine the answer to that question by conducting a clinical evaluation for an anxiety disorder. But, you can take a free 3-minute self-assessment to get a better sense of the level of your anxiety symptoms.  Images by freepik, freepik, and master1035 on Freepik. *The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.
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