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Panic Disorder at Progressive Pathways Psychiatry in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX

Panic disorder is a challenging mental health condition that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. It is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms. Understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing this disorder is crucial for those affected.

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Panic Disorder Symptoms in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time when you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently.

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Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.

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Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:

  • Sense of impending doom or danger

  • Fear of loss of control or death

  • Rapid, pounding heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat

  • Chills

  • Hot flashes

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal cramping

  • Chest pain

  • Headache

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness

  • Numbness or tingling sensation

  • Feeling of unreality or detachment

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One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one. You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur.

The exact origins of panic attacks and panic disorder are still a bit of a mystery, but certain elements are thought to play a key role:

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  • Genetic Influence: Family history may have a hand in it.

  • Significant Stressors: High levels of stress can be a trigger.

  • Personality Traits: If you're naturally more sensitive to stress or lean towards negative emotions, you might be more susceptible.

  • Brain Function Alterations: There are indications that changes in certain brain functions could contribute.

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Initially, panic attacks can strike out of the blue, but over time, they often start getting linked to specific situations.

Causes of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder in DFW, TX

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​Risk factors for Panic Disorder in DFW, TX

Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men.

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Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:

  • Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder

  • Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one

  • A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident

  • Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby

  • Smoking or excessive caffeine intake

  • History of childhood physical or sexual abuse

Preventing Panic Disorder in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

There's no sure way to prevent panic attacks or panic disorder. However, these recommendations may help.

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  • Get treatment for panic attacks as soon as possible to help stop them from getting worse or becoming more frequent.
     

  • Stick with your treatment plan to help prevent relapses or worsening of panic attack symptoms.
     

  • Get regular physical activity, which may play a role in protecting against anxiety.

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Let us provide you with the telehealth psychiatric care you deserve! In Dallas, TX | Fort Worth, TX

At Progressive Pathways Psychiatry in DFW, TX, our board-certified providers are committed to treating a wide range of mental health issues. Using the latest research and extensive experience in psychiatry, we strive to provide the highest quality care from initial diagnosis onward.

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