Do you have panic attacks and feelings of terror when there is no real danger? Do you feel as if you’re losing control? You may have a panic disorder. These feelings can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. Symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, chest or stomach pain, sweating, dizziness, numbness, and difficulty breathing are signs of the condition. Panic disorder can occur suddenly, without warning. It is challenging to manage on your own, so it is best to seek professional treatment to help get to the source of the symptoms. By getting help early on, you can prevent the attacks from becoming worse in the future. Physical activity may also help alleviate the condition.
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is considered an effective first choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope with them. Plains Area Mental Health takes pride in treating the whole person by assessing both mental health conditions as well as substance use disorder conditions.
P.S. Panic disorder is more common in women than men.