Panic Disorder
Psycopathology Discussion Response
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Psycopathology Discussion Response
TEXT:
Psychopathology : Foundations for a Contemporary Understanding
by James E. Maddux and Barbara A. Winstead
Original Question:
For this week’s Forum, respond to the following: Describe and contrast the nature of panic attacks as found in a diagnosis of Panic Disorder versus a diagnosis of Social Phobia. Discuss one pharmacological and one psychological treatment for symptoms of panic attacks.
Reply to the following response with 200 words minimum. (please make response as if having a conversation, respond directly to some of the statements in below post. This is not providing an analysis of the original post. Respectfully address it and even ask clarifying or additional questions.)
Contrast the nature of panic attacks as found in a diagnosis of Panic Disorder versus a diagnosis of Social Phobia
To understand the nature of panic attacks of Panic Disorder versus panic attacks in Social Phobia, it is important that we understand the differences between those two diagnoses.
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder; when a person has panic disorder, they will have sudden and repeated panic attacks (a strong feeling of fear), that can last for a matter of minutes or longer. These attacks are characterized by a fear or losing control, or fear of disaster, even when there is no real danger (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). Chest pain, sweating, a fast heartbeat, shaking, shortness of breath, feeling faint or dizzy, a fear of losing control, and nausea are just some of the symptoms that a person will experience during a panic attack and they will experience at least a few of these symptoms together during the attack. While it is not completely known what causes panic disorder, researchers have found that, “several parts of the brain, as well as biological processes, play a key role in fear and anxiety. Some researchers think that people with panic disorder misinterpret harmless bodily sensations as threats” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016).
As opposed to a panic attack that is characterized by the fear or losing control, a panic attack of Social Phobia occurs when a person feels the symptoms of fear or anxiety in social situations. Social Phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition of an intense and persistent fear of being watched and/or judged by others (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Whether the person with this phobia is at home, work, school, or out at an event, this fear is present and can affect their day-to-day activities. The physical symptoms of the anxiety will be very like that of a panic attack of Panic Disorder; a person will feel nauseous, have an increased heart rate, will sweat, and shake or tremble. However, they will also be very self-conscious in front of people and may feel awkward or embarrassed. They will also show a rigid body posture, speak quietly, or make very little eye contact (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Ultimately, they will stay away from places where there are other people so again, it greatly affects their day-to-day lives.
Discuss one pharmacological and one psychological treatment for symptoms of panic attacks.
Fortunately, panic attacks do not have to take over a person’s life-there are pharmacological and psychological treatments for the symptoms of panic attacks. One of those pharmacological treatments available is Benzodiazepines, an anti-anxiety drug; it can work within 30 minutes to an hour so one would take them during a panic attack (Smith & Segal, 2017). Unfortunately, these can be addictive and has serious withdrawal symptoms. If someone desires a more natural remedy, there are psychological treatments available as well, one of which is exposure therapy. In this therapy, you are exposed to the physical sensations of panic, but in a safe and controlled environment (Smith & Segal, 2017). This gives the person the opportunity to learn healthier ways of coping. In the therapy, the person will be asked to hyperventilate, hold their breath, or shake their head from side to side. These exercises cause the same sensations that someone experiences during a panic attack; each time they are exposed to those symptoms, they become less afraid of those sensations and can feel more control over their panic.
Question for the class: Our discussion this week is quite personal to me as it made me think about something my husband deals with. While he was in the Marine Corps, he served four tours in Afghanistan, two of which were combat. One of the things we only recently discussed this year was his dislike of big crowds. He is always on high alert and feels a degree of panic at times. He also does not like meeting new people, answering questions in any kind of conversation, or even talking to someone at a store when we need help finding something. However, he does not clearly exhibit signs of panic attacks. This is something he has yet to discuss with his doctor but just for a better understanding, (from what I understand from our discussion this week) would this mean he could be diagnosed as having social anxiety disorder?
Andrea
National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms. Mental Health Information. Retrieved fromhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/index.shtml
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness. Mental Health Information. Retrieved fromhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
Smith, M., Segal, J. (2017). Panic attacks and panic disorder. Help Guide. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/panic-attacks-and-panic-disorders.htm
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