A brief introduction to a common disorder Jean Hehn Unit 6 Human Behavior

 If a person suffers from several panic attacks and have spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, they may have a chronic condition called panic disorder.  Panic disorder is commonly known better as a condition in which a person suffers from panic attacks.

It’s not clearly known what causes panic attacks or disorders, however things that may play a role are:  Genetics  Stress  Certain changes in the way parts of your brain function

 A family member may suffer from the disorder.  Children of parents who have panic disorder are up to 8 times more likely to develop the condition.

 Physical environment  Work environment  Home environment  Relationships with others

The world around you in which you function  Noise  Pollution  People  Places

The place in which you work  Bosses  Coworkers  Machine Noise  Deadlines

Where you live your daily life  Family  Friends  Pets  House

Personal relationships with those in your life  Significant other  Children  Parents  Siblings

 Low serotonin levels  Lack of or over active neurotransmitter activity  Vitamin deficiency  Brain trauma

 A sense of impending doom or death  Rapid heart rate  Sweating  Trembling  Shortness of breath  Hyperventilation

 Nausea  Abdominal cramping  Chest pain  Headache  Dizziness  Faintness

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 6.8 million, 3.1% Panic Disorder: 6 million, 2.7% Women are twice as likely to be afflicted than men

 Medications  Psychotherapy  Alternative medicine  Lifestyle and home remedies

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)  Prozac  Paxil  Zoloft Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)  Effexor Benzodiazpines  Xanax  Klonopin

Cognitive behavioral therapy  help you change thinking  patterns that trigger your fears Psychodynamic psychotherapy  Increasing your awareness of your unconscious thoughts and behaviors.

Relaxation training  Deep breathing  Yoga  Meditation The nutritional supplement inositol  Oral supplement

 Stick to your treatment plan  Join a support group  Avoid caffeine, alcohol and illegal drugs  Get physically active  Get sufficient sleep  Practice stress management and relaxation techniques.

These people suffer from anxiety attacks Delta Burke Sally Field Sir Isaac Newton Alanis Morisette Nicole Kidman Dean Cain Ann Wilson Donny Osmond

 Mental Health America (MHA)   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  Health Resources and Services Administration