Lesley Dorfman, PhD
PANIC DISORDER AND AGORAPHOBIA
PANIC DISORDER AND PANIC ATTACKS
Panic disorder is experienced as often sudden or increasing anxiety to a point where rapid breathing, heart palpitations, belief that one cant catch their breath, lightheadedness, dizzy, numb hands/feet/and or face, dissociation, and chest pain to name a few of the physiological sensations. These physiological sensation are brought on by thoughts of a catastrophic event feels imminent, lose of control, fear of fainting, fear of vomiting, going insane, or they will not be able to function safely. The urgent urge to flee the situation (‘I need to escape now), seek help from a person whom they trust vs being alone is so intense that the urge is impossible to ignore. Often people will be seen in the emergency room or urgent care for fear they are having a heart attack., or the symptoms are associated with some other catastrophic event.
RESOURCES
Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
Medline plus
https://medlineplus.gov/panicdisorder.html
Helpful Guide Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/panic-attacks-and-panic-disorders
AGORAPHOBIA
Agoraphobia is a pattern of intense fear of being in a place or situation where there have been or could experience a panic attack. There is an intense fear of being in a situation where they might find escape difficult or where help may not be available. Often the fear is so great that the only ‘safe ‘place may be in their home. Fear and avoidance are hallmarks of this disorder and often lead to ‘becoming a shut in’, often not traveling far from home or being away from their trusted person with whom they feel safe.
RESOURCES
Helpful Guide Agoraphobia
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/agoraphobia
Mental Health Foundations
BOOKS
Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic, Michelle G, Caske and David Barlow
An End To Panic:Breakthrough Techniques for Overcoming Panic Disorder, Elke Zuercher-White, PhD