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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What mental illnesses are associated with panic attacks?

    Related Topic
    Panic Attacks
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    Raynor Lander

    Health Psychologist, Psychologist

    I have worked as a psychologist in clinical practice for the past twenty years. I specialise in treating Chronic Pain, PTSD, Worker's Compensation Cases I … View Profile

    Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. The symptom are strikingly different from other types of anxiety disorders. Panic attacks are very sudden and often unexpected. They appear to be unprovoked and can be quite disabling. Once a panic attack has occurred for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears which are called phobias. 
     The key feature of anxiety disorders in general and panic attacks in particular panic attacks is AVOIDANCE.  The more we avoid the triggers for the attacks the more debilitating the symptoms become.  The anxiety can reacht he point wherethe mere idea of engaging in the activities that preceded the first panic attack triggers future panic attacks. If this goes on for a long time the individual ith panic disorder being unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agaworaphobia.  Thus, there are two types of panic disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Like other anxiety disorders panic disorder can have a serious impact on a person's daily life unless the individual receives effective treatment.  The treatment using cognitive behavioural therapy and systematic desenitisation is very effective. In face panic attacks are more easily treated the generalised anxiety disorder.

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  • Renee Mill

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Empowering people is my passion and life work. I have been working as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice for over thirty years. I have … View Profile

    Today, mental health experts agree that singular diagnoses are not really appropriate. Many symptoms crop up in one or more mental health diagnoses.

    For instance, panic attacks can be experienced when a person has generalised anxiety disorder or post traumatic stress disorder. Panic attacks can also occur with people who have ADHD or are on the autism spectrum. I have even worked with women suffering from post natal depression who experience panic attacks.

    Whatever the diagnosis, panic attacks need to be dealt with so that they do not feel overwhelming and they do not recur. Any competent health care professional with experience in this area can help.

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