Panic Disorder in Dallas, TX
Panic disorder is a challenging mental health condition that can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life. It is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms that can be overwhelming. Understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing this disorder is crucial for those who experience it.
Panic Disorder Symptoms in Dallas, TX
Panic attacks associated with panic disorder usually begin suddenly and without warning. These episodes can occur at any time—whether you're driving, shopping at the mall, sleeping, or even during a business meeting. Some people experience occasional panic attacks, while others may have them more frequently.
Panic attacks vary in intensity, but symptoms typically peak within minutes. After an attack subsides, it's common to feel exhausted and drained. Common signs or symptoms of a panic attack include a sense of impending doom or danger, fear of losing control or dying, a rapid and pounding heart rate, sweating, chills, hot flashes, nausea, abdominal cramping, chest pain, headache, and a feeling of unreality or detachment.
One of the most challenging aspects of panic disorder is the intense fear of having another panic attack. This fear can lead to avoiding certain situations or places where you believe a panic attack might occur, further complicating daily life.
The exact origins of panic attacks and panic disorder are still a bit of a mystery, but certain elements are thought to play a key role:
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Genetic Influence: Family history may have a hand in it.
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Significant Stressors: High levels of stress can be a trigger.
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Personality Traits: If you're naturally more sensitive to stress or lean towards negative emotions, you might be more susceptible.
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Brain Function Alterations: There are indications that changes in certain brain functions could contribute.
Initially, panic attacks can strike out of the blue, but over time, they often start getting linked to specific situations.
Causes of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder in Dallas, TX
Risk factors for Panic Disorder in Dallas, TX
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
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Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
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Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one
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A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident
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Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby
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Smoking or excessive caffeine intake
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History of childhood physical or sexual abuse
Preventing Panic Disorder in Dallas, TX
There's no sure way to prevent panic attacks or panic disorder. However, these recommendations may help.
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Get treatment for panic attacks as soon as possible to help stop them from getting worse or becoming more frequent.
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Stick with your treatment plan to help prevent relapses or worsening of panic attack symptoms.
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Get regular physical activity, which may play a role in protecting against anxiety.
Get the Telehealth Psychiatric Care you deserve, available in Dallas, Arlington, Fort-Worth & Mansfield, TX
At Glimmer of Hope Behavioral Health Services in Dallas, Texas, our certified providers are dedicated to remotely treating a wide array of mental health conditions. Leveraging the latest research and extensive psychiatric experience, we aim to deliver the highest quality care from the initial diagnosis onward.