$Unique_ID{BRK02054}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Symptoms and Treatments of Panic Disorder}
$Subject{panic disorder panic attack crazy terror chest pain shortness of
breath anxiety trembling shaking sweating choking nausea flushes chills fear
of death mental physical complications caffeine diet aids alcohol nicotine
fatigue}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Symptoms and Treatments of Panic Disorder


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QUESTION:  I am sure I have a disease you wrote about in your column a while
back.  It's called panic disorder, and I know that must be what's bothering
me.  It is so bad at times that I can't go to work because I just am too
tired.  But my boss doesn't believe there is anything wrong, so I need more
proof.  Could you please give me more information about my disease?  Thank you
for your help.

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ANSWER:  Here's more information, but I am not sure you can call it your
disease, at least not just yet.  Panic disorder is not simply another attack
of nerves, nor is it a condition that is described as making one too tired to
work.  It is a sudden feeling of terror, of some great and terrible threat,
and of impending doom.  It occurs most often in young people, ages 15 to 30,
and affects women two to three times more often than men.  Symptoms may
include chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling and shaking, sweating,
choking, nausea, flushes and chills, and intense fear of dying, going crazy or
losing control.  Since there are many medical conditions that can produce the
same symptoms, it is often a difficult condition to diagnose.  And since it is
a condition that poses the possibility of serious mental and physical
complications, it is not something that should be either self diagnosed or
self treated.  To meet the criteria for a panic disorder diagnosis, physicians
search for a history of four attacks in one month's time, and at least 4 of
the 13 possible typical symptoms that occur with real panic attacks.
     The attacks usually are short-lived, reaching a peak intensity in several
minutes than gradually subsiding over the next 20 minutes.  In many cases,
patients seek help in local emergency rooms, only to find that the symptoms
are gone by the time help is available.  Laboratory findings are of little
help in making the diagnosis.  Patients with suspected panic disorder are
advised to eliminate caffeine from their diet, avoid certain medications
contained in over-the-counter diet aids, and minimize the use of alcohol and
nicotine.  Since there are very effective treatments that can relieve the
misery and suffering from panic disorder, anyone who suspects they may be
afflicted should immediately seek professional help.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.