Mental Health Problems in Adults: Anxiety Disorders

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Mental Health Problems in Adults: Anxiety Disorders

Adults that live or work in stressful situations, are raising children and teenagers, or have problems that carried over from their past are candidates for mental health problems. The most common mental health problem in today’s society is anxiety disorders. Under that general heading are five separate disorders. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, and phobias are classified as anxiety disorders.

Panic disorder is chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks. This could be a fear of being in danger when no danger is near, and between, they often worry about when their next panic attack will happen. Panic attacks are a symptom of several forms of anxiety disorders and are disabling and distressing. Adults with panic attacks may use alcohol as a means to relieve stress and irritable bowel syndrome is higher among adults with panic disorder.

Panic disorder can first appear in the late teens or early adulthood. Some will even begin in children. Women are two times more likely to have panic attacks than men, and some people may have genes from their parents that cause panic attacks.

There are several symptoms of panic attacks. A person may have all of them, a few of them, or experience them in a different way from someone else. Here are some of the symptoms.

A pounding heart and physical symptoms that feel like a heart attack or chest pain.
Excessive sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Having a sensation of choking.
Abdominal pain and nausea.
Chills or hot flashes.
A fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
Numbness
Trembling and shaking.
A feeling of everything being unreal or disconnected from oneself.

These symptoms can also resemble other mental health conditions, so it is important to consult a trained professional for a diagnosis. It’s estimated that one to two percent of Americans suffer from panic disorders.

What is the treatment for panic disorders? Your doctor will decide that, but panic disorders are treated with medication and psychological treatment. A combination of the two is considered the most effective in treating panic disorders. What your doctor prescribes will be based on your personal preference, overall health, age and medical history, and the extent of the disease. Treatment may also include teaching the patient relaxation techniques and biofeedback. Biofeedback will help to control muscle tension.

People who are afflicted with panic disorder try to stay away from situations that will trigger an attack. For instance, if they know they have had panic attacks when in crowds, they may feel too afraid to be in a crowd of people. This may exclude them from attending parties, concerts, and even shopping during the Christmas season!

Panic attacks can also affect your work. Stressful work conditions can often bring on a panic attack. Stressful work conditions can also contribute to hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Panic disorder can turn your life around and cause you to lose pleasure in activities you used to take part in.

Panic disorders are scary when you experience one, particularly if it is the first one. Some people go to the emergency room fearing they are having a heart attack. One woman had an attack on vacation, while standing in a crowd admiring the painting of Mona Lisa. It isn’t hard to imagine her fear in going to another situation where there would be a crowd.

Panic attacks can be controlled and with training, you often can stop a panic attack before it happens or before it gets too far out of control. Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques associated with Yoga are also helpful. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to use for a time while you are in counseling. Several drugs available will help with panic disorder. In addition, by learning to control your breathing, putting your mind in a quiet restful place, and just finding quiet time will help control panic disorder attacks.

The stigma attached to people with anxiety disorder is much less than even a few years ago. Don’t be afraid to approach your doctor or health care provider if you are having any of the symptoms listed. There is help available and many states will provide therapy and counseling for those who have a limited income. Panic attacks are not fun and distressing to those who have it as well as family members and close friends. If someone close to you has panic attacks, it is helpful if know how to “talk” them through an attack. Someone who has had panic attacks can often help someone else having an attack.