Panic Disorders Today

In today’s day and age, we tend to adopt certain terms like “Oh, my god I’m so OCD” or “I swear I’m having a panic attack unless I get the new iphone” or other trivial things along these lines. I know I have heard them walking around in public on a daily basis. But what we seem to forget when we use these terms is that they are serious mental illnesses that millions of people suffer from everyday in the U.S. and all over the world. For the purpose of this blog post we will focus on Panic Disorder (PD). 

Panic Disorder Statistics:

According to  the ADAA or the Anxiety and Depression Association of America PD affects 6 million adults in the U.S. which is an estimated 2.7% of the population. Of that 6 million, women are twice as likely to be affected by PD than men.  There is also a genetic component and panic disorder may run in families with history. Panic disorders usually tend to begin in early adulthood, usually after the age of 20. Children have also been known to have panic disorder and may experience panic-like symptoms or “fearful spells.” 

For more information about PD's and panic attacks check out this video, it is full of information over the clinical definition of panic disorder, symptoms, and treatment methods.

Causes of Panic Disorders:

As mentioned before panic disorders can sometimes run in families via genetics, but as of today researchers are still unsure why some members can have the disorder and why others don’t. Other factors that major stress, certain changes in the brain function, temperament that is more sensitive to stress or prone to negative emotions are also thought to be factors

Treatment:

PD is highly treatable, the treatment options available for panic disorders are highly responsive to treatments such as; psychotherapy, medication, a combination of both. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy and a a useful treatment that teaches different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to panic attacks. 

For more information  about Embracia Clinic and what services are available, follow the link provided here (Embracia Health)  or give us a call info found on our webpage as well.