Transcript Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Panic Disorder with
Agoraphobia
Natali Avila
Dylan Lam
Period 3
AP Psychology
•A 35-year-old mathematician gave a history of episodic palpitations and faintness
over the previous 15 years.
•There had been periods of remission of up to 5 years, but in the past year the
symptoms had increased and in the last few days the patient had stopped working
because of the distress.
•His chief complaints were that at any time and without warning, he might suddenly
feel he was about to faint and fall down, or tremble and experience palpitations, and
if standing would cringe and clutch at the nearest wall or chair.
•If he was driving a car at the time he would pull up at the curbside and wait for the
feelings to pass off before he resumed his journey.
•He was becoming afraid of walking alone in the street or of driving his car for fear
that the episodes would be triggered by it and was loath to travel by public
transport. Although he felt safer when accompanied, this did not abolish his
symptoms.
•The attacks could come on at any time of day or night.
an anxiety disorder in which there are repeated attacks
of intense fear and anxiety, and a fear of being in
places where escape might be difficult
•Chest pain or discomfort
•Choking
•Dizziness or faintness
•Fear of being out of control
•Fear of dying
•Fear of "going crazy"
•Hot flashes or chills
•Nausea or other stomach distress
•Numbness or tingling
•Racing heart
•Shortness of breath
•Sweating
•Trembling
The exact cause of panic attacks and
panic disorders are unclear, the tendency
to have panic attacks run in the family.
There also appears to be a connection
with major life transitions such as
graduating from college and entering the
workplace, get married and having a
baby. Severe stress such as a death of a
loved one, divorce, or job loss can also
trigger a panic attack.
Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other
physical causes such as:
•Mitral valve prolapse
•Hyperthydroidism
•Hypoglycemia
•Stimulant use (ampetahmines, cocaine, caffeine)
•Medication withdrawal
There is a cognitive behavioral therapy, which is viewed as
the most effective form of treatment. It focuses on the
thinking patterns and the behaviors that are sustaining or
triggering the panic attacks. It helps you look at your fears
in a more realistic light.
There is an exposure therapy for panic disorder, you are
exposed to the physical sensations of panic in a safe and
controlled environment. You may be asked to hyperventilate,
shake your head from side to side, or hold your breath. With
this you become less afraid of these internal bodily sensations
and feel a greater sense of control.
Medical treatments include:
Anti-depressants and Benzodiazepines.
Famous people with this include Woody Allen, Billy Bob Thornton,
and Sigmund Freud.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 4 million
Americans suffer from panic attacks
Panic Disorders are more common in women than in men and
women have double the chance of suffering from this condition.
http://www.panichub.com/panic-disorder.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000923.ht
m
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_at
tack_symptom_treatment.htm
http://www.behavenet.com/panic-disorder-agoraphobia