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Panic disorder is a form of anxiety disorder and the main symptom is the occurrence of repeated panic attacks that are highly severe. Sufferers notice an alteration in their behavioural patterns that are characterised by long term anxiety and worry about the possibility of another attack, and this is known as an anticipatory attack. The panic attacks are highly unpredictable and can come at any time for the sufferer, and the anxiety which comes with the expectance of such an attack can cause the onset of another attack, hence the term anticipatory attack. The difference between a panic attack and an anticipatory attack is that the former are very severe but do not go on for a prolonged amount of time, whereas the latter can last for months at time. Panic disorder is a well-documented medical condition and is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. It has the potential to be a highly debilitating and disabling disorder but it can be successfully treated through treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy. The symptoms that panic disorder sufferers generally experience are periods of intense anxiety between panic attacks, which typically last around 10 minutes but can be as short-lived as one minute and as long as 20. The onset of one attack can trigger further attacks within a close time frame to the original one. Common physiological symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness and uncontrollable trembling, fear and hyperventilation. There is not believed to be one single cause for panic disorder and it has been noted that parents who suffer from it are very likely to bear children who also suffer from panic attacks. It has also been noted to manifest itself in sufferers of other hereditary disorders, such as bipolar disorder. There are many factors that are said to contribute to the onset of an attack, such as stressful environments and events and the displaying cognitive patterns which vastly exaggerate relatively normal bodily functions. It has been well documented that stimulants such as caffeine have had negative effects on panic disorder sufferers. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one such treatment which has been found to be extremely effective in the treatment of panic disorder and has been documented to decrease the likelihood and severity of future attacks. Other such treatments which have been noted to have positive effects are combinations of psychotherapy and medication that can help to alleviate the sufferer’s anxiety, thus reducing the likelihood of further attacks. Panic disorder treatment specialists can help sufferers gain a better quality of life, and there are CBT therapists in Warrington that specialise in such treatment.
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