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Panic Disorder in Hot Springs, AR
Panic attacks are brief episodes of extreme fear. They may be mistaken for heart attacks or strokes, but are psychological rather than physical. Most panic attacks peak within ten minutes and end within twenty to thirty.
Some symptoms include
- Chills
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shaking
- Feelings of suffocation
When panic attacks become panic disorder
Sometimes panic attacks are isolated incidents, but if a person has had at least two panic attacks and lives in fear of having another, they may have panic disorder. A panic attack can happen without an obvious cause, but people with panic disorder may develop phobias related to something they associate with panic attacks, including open spaces and large crowds.
Treatment
Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder, and like other forms of anxiety, it is commonly treated with a combination of therapy, medication, and healthy lifestyle changes. Anxiety patients are also encouraged to do breathing exercises, get regular exercise, and avoid stimulants.