1. Health

Understanding Panic Disorder

Learning what panic disorder is, and what it is not, will help you on your journey to understand the disorder. This understanding is your first step toward recovery or providing support to a loved one. Here you will find the answers to your questions about panic disorder, panic attacks and agoraphobia.
  1. FAQs (11)

How to Tell the Difference Between an Anger Attack and a Panic Attack

Researchers have conducted studies on what they term “anger attacks” in depressed and anxious individuals. They conclude that there are certain similarities between anger attacks and panic attacks.

Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov is known for his theory of classical conditioning as a reaction that is learned through the pairing of stimuli (motivations). This theory is often used to explaine how fears and phobias develop.

Telling Others About Your Panic Disorder

Letting others know about your struggle with panic disorder can be difficult to do. However, sharing your experience with loved ones can help build your social support and self-confidence. Here you will find tips and strategies to talking to others about your diagnosis of panic disorder.

Ways Panic Disorder Can Impact a Person’s Life

Here you will find information about the effects of living with panic disorder.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Problem anxiety may lead to an anxiety disorder. Here you will find information about the anxiety disorders identified in the DSM-IV-TR.

Top 7 Tips for Living with Panic Disorder

Living with panic disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia can be difficult at times. However, it is possible to learn to cope with your condition and live the life you desire. Listed here are 7 tips for living with panic disorder.

Cognitive (Thought) Distortions and Panic Disorder

If you have panic disorder, agoraphobia or another anxiety disorder, cognitive (thought) distortions may be perpetuating your symptoms and hampering your recovery.

Irrational Belief Systems

One theory of how we perceive the world and act within it is a result of our underlying belief system. This belief system develops from early childhood, based on input from significant others in our lives and our own life experiences. However, developing a belief system is not always a rational process.

Does Your Child Have an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are common psychiatric illnesses that generally cause feelings of fear or distress in certain situations. Children -- even very young children -- are not immune to developing panic disorder or another type of anxiety disorder. If the symptoms are left unrecognized and untreated, young sufferers may experience academic difficulties, social and interpersonal problems and trouble adjusting to new life experiences.

Are There Risk Factors for Developing Panic Disorder?

Research has identified certain risk factors associated with developing panic disorder. Here you will find information about the know risk factors for the development of panic disorder.

What is Panic Disorder?

Here you will learn the basics of Panic Disorder including how its diagnosed and treated.

What is Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a condition that affects about one-third of people with panic disorder. Here you will find answers to questions about agoraphobia and how it relates to and complicates panic disorder.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of terror, fear or apprehension, without the presence of actual danger. But, not all panic attacks are alike. Learn about the different types of panic attacks and what symptoms may be experienced.

Is It Normal Anxiety or an Anxiety Disorder?

There are an infinite number of human experiences that cause anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another, and it is beneficial in certain situations. But, for many people, anxiety becomes a problem. Here you will find information to help you distinguish between the normal and problem anxiety in your life.

Anxiety vs. Panic: What’s the Difference?

The terms anxiety attack and panic attack are often used interchangeably. But, is there a difference between panic and anxiety? Find out the similarities and differences of these closely related terms.

What’s the Difference Between Fear and Anxiety?

Fear and anxiety both produce similar responses to certain dangers. But, many experts believe that there are important differences between the two. Here is an explanation of the differences between fear and anxiety.

Myths About Panic Disorder

There are many misconceptions about panic disorder and agoraphobia. Here we dispel the common myths about panic disorder.

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