EQ: What is the difference between phobia and panic disorder?

1. EQ: What is the difference between phobia and panic disorder?

2. Bell Ringer • Acrophobia > fear of being dirty • Hypnophobia > fear of heights • Automysophobia > Fear of falling to sleep

3. True or False • During a panic attack your heart pounds and you cant breathe. • During a panic attack you may even feel like your dying or going crazy. • Panic attacks can be cured and the sooner you seek help the better. • Panic attacks can cure the common cold. • Over 88% of the population in the U.S. have had a panic attack at least once in their life

4. Facts about disorder “Phobia” • Phobic disorder- an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations or something that poses little to no damage. ( phobic disorder is the general term for all phobias). • 4.25% of people in the world suffer from phobias • 18% of U.S. population suffer from anxiety

5. Facts about disorder “panic” • Panic disorder- A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. • Panic attacks often strike when your away from home, but they can happen anywhere and at any time. • Often, there is no clear reason for the attack. They may even occur when your relaxing or sleep. • A panic attack may be a one time occurrence, but many people experience repeat episodes.

6. Psychological & physiological effects • People with phobia disorder tend to feel embarrassed because of awkward and embarrassing moments. • People with a phobia feel out of control even when they know their phobia is irrational. And they feel helpless when they cant control it. • Panic disorder patients don’t know when it will occur so they are otherwise perfectly fine but during the attack they will have rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breathe, chills, headache trouble swallowing etc.

7. Treatments “phobia” • For patients with phobias can go to therapy or do self treatments. For example, someone who is afraid of dogs can… • Look at picture of dog • Look at video of a dog • look at dog through a window • Stand across the street from a dog • Stand 10 feet away from a dog • Stand beside a dog • Pet small dog • Pet larger dog

8. Treatment for Panic disorder • Learn how to control your breathing- hyperventilation brings on many sensations( such as lightheadedness and tightness of chest) that occur during a panic attack. • Avoid smoking and caffeine- smoking and caffeine can provoke panic attacks in people who are susceptible. • Learn about panic- simply knowing more about panic attacks can go a long way toward relieving your distress.