Anticipatory anxiety is a symptom of panic disorder. Patients that suffer from this anxiety often experience feelings of fear between panic attacks. They are fearful of suffering through another attack. Another symptom of panic disorder is phobic avoidance. Patients will develop fear of certain situations that they fear will trigger an attack. Causes of panic disorder range from chemical imbalance to family history. Panic disorder is usually accompanied by depression. Women tend to this disorder more than men. Nicotine and caffeine can aggravate and induce panic attacks. Other triggers include drugs, alcohol, certain medications and stress. Diagnosis of panic disorder can be subjective. Panic attacks can mimic other medical conditions, such as heart attacks. Therefore, it is important to get the opinion of a trusted health care professional. Consulting a doctor is important to ruling out other illnesses. Panic attacks are very treatable. In most cases, counseling, coupled with medication and life-style changes, has been very effective in treating panic disorder.

Anti-depressants and Benzodiazepines, an anti-anxiety medication, are both used in treating panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy explores the thought processes behind the attacks. Exposure therapy exposes the patient to the situations causing the attacks in a controlled and safe environment. Controlled breathing, relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation are also effective treatments. Helping Psychology is brought to you by Argosy University. Argosy University offers a wide selection of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation. Sources: (September 16, 2008). “Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder-Topic Overview.” WebMD Sheryl Ankrom. (February 1, 2009). “Diagnosing Panic Disorder.” About.com Melinda Smith, M.A. (May 2010). “Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” HelpGuide.org