Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

1. Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia Natali Avila Dylan Lam Period 3 AP Psychology

2. Case Study • 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.

3. Def. 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 Symptoms • 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

4. Causes: 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

5. Treatment: 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.

6. Facts you did not know 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.

7. References: http://www.panichub.com/panic-disorder.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000923.htm http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_attack_symptom_treatment.htm http://www.behavenet.com/panic-disorder-agoraphobia