Panic disorder and agoraphobia
Panic disorder and agoraphobia
Panic disorder is not the same as
anxiety
or a single panic attack. Most people experience
anxiety
and up to 40 per cent of us have a panic attack at some stage during our lives. People who have recurring panic attacks are more likely to have panic disorder, and this affects one to two per cent of people.
Agoraphobia
may be classified separately from panic disorder, because some people have the symptoms of agoraphobia without experiencing a panic attack. However, some people will have panic attacks along with their other symptoms of agoraphobia.
Symptoms of panic disorder and agoraphobia
Not everyone who has a panic attack has a panic disorder, but having recurring panic attacks is a symptom of panic disorder. Some people with agoraphobia have panic attacks, but you can have agoraphobia without having panic attacks.
Symptoms of panic attacks
Panic attacks occur suddenly. Symptoms can vary for different people, but they tend to hit their peak within 10 minutes.
A panic attack typically has four or more of:
chest pain
chills or hot flushes
dizziness or feeling
faint
fear of dying
fear of losing control or ‘going crazy’
feeling like you are choking
feeling short of breath
nausea
pounding heart and rapid heart rate
sweating
tingling or numbness
trembling or shaking.
Symptoms of panic disorder
Rather than having just a single panic attack, if you have panic disorder you will experience several recurring panic attacks.
Symptoms of panic disorder include:
frequent and unexpected panic attacks
ongoing worry about having another panic attack for more than one month after the panic attack
ongoing worry about the consequences of having an attack – such as losing control, ‘going crazy’ or having a heart attack.
Symptoms of agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is often thought of as fear of open spaces, but it is more than this. Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety of being in situations where you feel you cannot escape.
These include being:
in an enclosed space – theatre, meeting room or small shop
in an open space – bridge, car park or large shopping mall
on public transport – bus, train or plane
out of your home alone.
Causes of panic disorder and agoraphobia
The exact causes of panic disorder or agoraphobia are not known, but there are several risk factors, including:
family history of
anxiety disorders
or
depressive
illness – some studies suggest a possible genetic component
negative life experiences – extremely stressful experiences, such as childhood abuse, being made redundant or a death of a family member or friend, have been associated with recurring panic attacks
physical medical conditions – some medical conditions, such as
cardiac arrhythmias
,
asthma
,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
and
irritable bowel syndrome
, are associated with panic disorder.
Diagnosis of panic disorder and agoraphobia
Healthcare professionals who can diagnose a
mental health
condition include your
GP
, a
psychiatrist
and some
psychologists
. Each of these professionals offers different types of services, so the first step is to visit your GP to speak about your concerns. They can then refer you to other healthcare professionals, if required.
Your doctor will do a physical examination and may take blood samples for testing. A diagnosis of panic disorder or agoraphobia will also involve your healthcare professional asking you questions about your symptoms and feelings, so they can understand your problem. If you experience panic attacks, they will want to know when, where and how often you have them.
They will also ask about your medical history. Some healthcare professionals may ask you to fill in some forms, which will also ask you a range of questions about your symptoms, moods and panic attacks. This will help the healthcare professional to understand and diagnose your problem, so that you can get the best treatment possible.
Diagnosis of panic disorder
To fit the criteria for a diagnosis of panic disorder, you will need to have experienced the symptoms of panic disorder. Your doctor will also need to confirm that medication, substances or other physical or mental health conditions are not causing your symptoms.
Diagnosis of agoraphobia
To fit the criteria for a diagnosis of agoraphobia, you will need to have experienced the symptoms of agoraphobia and some additional signs. These include:
your fear or anxiety is almost always experienced when you are in the same situation
you avoid the situation that causes your symptoms
your fear and anxiety is out of proportion to the actual situation.
Treatment for panic disorder and agoraphobia
Having early treatment is important for recovery from panic disorder or agoraphobia. Treatment can be very effective in reducing the number of panic attacks for most people. The first step is to visit your doctor and get professional help.
The treatment for panic disorder or agoraphobia is medication or psychological therapies. You can also make a number of changes in your life to support your treatment.
Psychological therapies for panic disorder and agoraphobia
Psychological therapies, which involve talking with a therapist, can be an effective form of treatment. The most common form used for panic disorder and agoraphobia is
cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
.
CBT can be short-term and helps you to learn:
what triggers your symptoms
how to cope with your symptoms
how to change unwanted behaviours.
When choosing a healthcare professional to treat your panic disorder or agoraphobia, do your research and check the therapist’s qualifications and experience. The booklet, Panic disorder and agoraphobia. Australian treatment guide for consumers and carers, from the
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
Psychiatrists
External Link
provides information about the types of qualifications to look for.
Medication for panic disorder and agoraphobia
Treatment for panic disorder or agoraphobia can include either antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Some antidepressant medication can also be used to treat anxiety.
Self-help for panic disorder and agoraphobia
Other ways you can support your own mental wellbeing include:
eating a healthy diet
exercising
searching online to find information or courses – check out
This way
up
External Link
.
seeking out support groups or online forums
staying connected with family and friends
training in relaxation practices.
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your
GP (doctor)
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
NURSE-ON-CALL
Tel.
1300 60 60 24
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Anxiety Recovery Centre
Victoria
External Link
- Helpline Tel.
(03) 9830 053
3 or
1300 269 438
Beyondblue Support
Service
External Link
Tel.
1300 22 4636
Lifeline
External Link
Tel.
13 11 14
SuicideLine
External Link
Tel.
1300 651 251
SANE Australia
Helpline
External Link
Tel.
1800 187 263