Feb 28 2009
Being Bipolar: Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of sudden, intense fear. Physical symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress.
Symptoms may include:
- Chest Pain
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distress
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Tingling or numbness of hands
- Feeling flushed or chilled
- Fear of impending doom or loss of control
It is common for a person to develop a fear of these symptoms, and this fear is considered a symptom of panic disorder. A person may think they are having a heart attack, dying or losing their mind. The attacks cannot be predictable so someone affected by the disorder may develop intense fear of having an attack.
The tendency to develop panic attacks is inherited. Repeated panic attacks are defined as panic disorder. Approximately 6 million American adults have panic disorder. Women are twice as likely to develop this disorder as men are.
In some cases, the attacks may become so severe that a person avoids normal activities such as shopping or driving. Almost one third become unable to leave their home. They are often unable to leave the home unless accompanied by a trusted person. This is called agoraphobia. Early treatment can usually prevent agoraphobia but it often goes undiagnosed.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia. It’s very unusual for me to leave my house. My husband does all the shopping and my typical outings involve going to the doctor. I don’t go anywhere alone unless I absolutely have to. When I know I will be going out in public (like the AC/DC concert ), I will have flu-like symptoms. It causes a great deal of problems for not only me, but my family as well.
More on agoraphobia tomorrow. Have a great day!
