It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxious from time to time. Maybe there’s a big presentation at work that you’re nervous about, or maybe you’re just feeling stressed out from your everyday life.
But what if your anxiety is so constant and overwhelming that it’s impacting your ability to live a normal life? You may be dealing with a panic disorder.
In this blog post, we will discuss what panic disorders are, how to identify them in people, and some of the ways that we can help those who are struggling with them.
What Is a Panic Disorder?
A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by a frequent and unexpected panic that you are in danger when there is no apparent cause, issue, or threat. Panic disorders can come on quickly and without warning, especially if you are dealing with a lot of stress in your life.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults suffer from a panic disorder, with it being more common in females. Among that 2.7%, over 40% say that their panic attacks cause them serious impairment that blocks them from living their normal lives.
Those who have panic disorders will often avoid situations or places where they have had a previous panic attack or know it has the potential to cause one.
Many people can say they have been stressed in certain situations and might even have a couple of panic attacks in their lifetime. A panic disorder is when these attacks become more frequent, to the point where it’s interfering with your daily life.
What Are the Symptoms of a Panic Disorder?
There are a few common symptoms that people who suffer from panic disorders experience. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms and some may only experience a few.
- An intense feeling of fear or terror that comes on suddenly and without warning
- A racing heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Feeling detached from yourself or like you’re in a dreamlike state
- Fear of losing control over your body or emotions
Many of these symptoms can overwhelm someone dealing with a panic disorder, as many of them come rushing in all at once. It can be easy to mistake a panic attack for a heart attack because they share some similar symptoms.
How Is a Panic Disorder Diagnosed?
If you believe that you or someone close to you may be suffering from a panic disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Typically, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor who can then refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Your specialist will likely ask about your medical history, family history, any medications you’re currently taking, and how often you’ve been experiencing symptoms. They will also want to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms, such as a heart condition or thyroid problem.
Once they have gathered all this information, they will be able to give you a diagnosis and work with you on developing a treatment plan.
Treatments for a Panic Disorder
There are a variety of treatment options available for those suffering from panic disorders.
The most common approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy which helps people change the way they think and react to situations that trigger their anxiety. Other treatments include medication, relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy.
Medication is typically used to help control the symptoms of anxiety, while exposure therapy gradually exposes you to the things or situations that you’re afraid of in a safe setting.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with a panic disorder, know that there is help available.
Ketamine Treatment Is a Growing Option for Those Suffering From a Panic Disorder
As panic disorders become more prevalent, so do the treatments available to help those suffering. Ketamine treatment is a growing option that has shown to be effective in treating anxiety and depression.
Ketamine works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that other common antidepressants target; however, it does so in a different way which allows it to work faster and more effectively.
Studies have shown that ketamine can be an extremely effective treatment for panic disorders. While using medication and exposure theory are still great long-term solutions, ketamine can provide fast results that improve the patient’s quality of life quickly without the need for other treatments.
In recent years, ketamine clinics have been popping up across the country as more and more people are finding relief from their symptoms with this treatment option.
KureIV Can Help You or a Loved One Find Relief
At KureIV, we offer ketamine treatments that have shown to be effective in treating those suffering from panic disorders.
If you or someone close to you is struggling, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about using ketamine infusion therapy to help reduce your symptoms from a panic attack. KureIV will work with you to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
We understand how difficult it can be to live with a panic disorder, and our goal is to help you find relief so that you can live your life to the fullest.
We offer a free consultation where we can assess your situation and see if ketamine treatment is the right option for you. You can then use some of the information we provide you during your initial consultation to talk to your doctor more in-depth about ketamine infusion therapy.
Don’t suffer in silence; there is help available. Book a consultation with KureIV and see the power of ketamine.
