Panic disorder and agoraphobia

People who have recurring panic attacks are more likely to have panic disorder, and this affects one to two per cent of people. may be classified separately from panic disorder, because some people have the symptoms of agoraphobia without experiencing a panic attack.

However, some people will have panic attacks along with their other symptoms of agoraphobia. Not everyone who has a panic attack has a panic disorder, but having recurring panic attacks is a symptom of panic disorder. Some people with agoraphobia have panic attacks, but you can have agoraphobia without having panic attacks.

Panic attacks occur suddenly#

Symptoms can vary for different people, but they tend to hit their peak within 10 minutes. A panic attack typically has four or more of: trembling or shaking. Rather than having just a single panic attack, if you have panic disorder you will experience several recurring panic attacks.

Symptoms of panic disorder include:

• ongoing worry about the consequences of having an attack – such as losing control
• going crazy’ or having a heart attack. Agoraphobia is often thought of as fear of open spaces
• but it is more than this. Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety of being in situations where you feel you cannot escape

These include being: out of your home alone. The exact causes of panic disorder or agoraphobia are not known, but there are several risk factors, including: negative life experiences – extremely stressful experiences, such as childhood abuse, being made redundant or a death of a family member or friend, have been associated with recurring panic attacks, are associated with panic disorder.

Each of these professionals offers different types of services, so the first step is to visit your doctor to speak about your concerns.

They can then refer you to other healthcare professionals, if required. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may take blood samples for testing. A diagnosis of panic disorder or agoraphobia will also involve your healthcare professional asking you questions about your symptoms and feelings, so they can understand your problem.

If you experience panic attacks, they will want to know when, where and how often you have them.

They will also ask about your medical history#

Some healthcare professionals may ask you to fill in some forms, which will also ask you a range of questions about your symptoms, moods and panic attacks. This will help the healthcare professional to understand and diagnose your problem, so that you can get the best treatment possible.

To fit the criteria for a diagnosis of panic disorder, you will need to have experienced the symptoms of panic disorder.

Your doctor will also need to confirm that medication, substances or other physical or mental health conditions are not causing your symptoms.

To fit the criteria for a diagnosis of agoraphobia, you will need to have experienced the symptoms of agoraphobia and some additional signs. These include:

• your fear
• anxiety is out of proportion to the actual situation

Having early treatment is important for recovery from panic disorder or agoraphobia. Treatment can be very effective in reducing the number of panic attacks for most people.

The first step is to visit your doctor and get professional help#

The treatment for panic disorder or agoraphobia is medication or psychological therapies.

You can also make a number of changes in your life to support your treatment#

Psychological therapies, which involve talking with a therapist, can be an effective form of treatment.

The most common form used for panic disorder and agoraphobia is CBT can be short-term and helps you to learn: how to change unwanted behaviors.

When choosing a healthcare professional to treat your panic disorder or agoraphobia, do your research and check the therapist’s qualifications and experience.

The booklet, Panic disorder and agoraphobia.

American treatment guide for consumers and carers, from the provides information about the types of qualifications to look for. Treatment for panic disorder or agoraphobia can include either antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Some antidepressant medication can also be used to treat anxiety.

Other ways you can support your own mental wellbeing include:

• training in relaxation practices. Panic disorder is not the same as anxiety or a single panic attack. Most people experience anxiety Agoraphobia Symptoms of panic disorder
• rapid heart rate sweating tingling or numbness Symptoms of panic disorder frequent
• unexpected panic attacks ongoing worry about having another panic attack for more than one month after the panic attack Symptoms of agoraphobia in an enclosed space – theater
• meeting room or small shop in an open space – bridge
• car park or large shopping mall on public transport – bus
• train or plane Causes of panic disorder
• agoraphobia family history of anxiety disorders or depressive illness – some studies suggest a possible genetic component physical medical conditions – some medical conditions
• such as cardiac arrhythmias
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• irritable bowel syndrome Diagnosis of panic disorder
• agoraphobia Healthcare professionals who can diagnose a mental health condition include your doctor
• a psychiatrist
• agoraphobia Psychological therapies for panic disorder
• agoraphobia cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) what triggers your symptoms how to cope with your symptoms Royal American
• New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Medication for panic disorder
• agoraphobia Self-help for panic disorder
• friends

Where to get help#

Key Points#

• However, some people will have panic attacks along with their other symptoms of agoraphobia
• Symptoms can vary for different people, but they tend to hit their peak within 10 minutes
• To fit the criteria for a diagnosis of panic disorder, you will need to have experienced the symptoms of panic disorder
• Having early treatment is important for recovery from panic disorder or agoraphobia
• Treatment can be very effective in reducing the number of panic attacks for most people