Mental health ills, treatments
by Tommy Eddy
09:34 AM, Monday, March 25 2013 | 2233 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
In this article I will cover another disorder and then start on some potential treatments. There are many mental health disorders so I am trying to cover some of the more well known initially.

Panic disorder is a serious condition that occurs suddenly without any apparent reason or warning.

Symptoms of this include sudden attacks of fear, nervousness, difficulty breathing, pounding heart or chest pain, sweating, intense feeling of dread, trembling, and a sensation of choking. Obviously, this is different from normal fear and anxiety experienced as a result of stressful events in our lives and includes a response that is out of proportion for the situation. One of the main symptoms of panic disorder is the persistent fear of having another attack.

Panic disorder is usually diagnosed after a visit to a primary care physician or an emergency room for all the symptoms being experienced, some of which mimic a heart attack, turn out negative for any physical problems.

Usually, after a comprehensive medical history, physical exam and lab tests if there is no physical reason for the symptoms the doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. There are specifically designed interviews and assessment tools used by the mental health professional to evaluate a person for panic disorder.

With appropriate treatment, nearly 90 percent with panic disorder can find relief but unfortunately many people do not seek treatment. If a person does not seek help for this disorder it can start to negatively influence their life more each day it is left untreated. The person may start to avoid normal activities that adversely affect home and work life. They may begin to focus more on having an attack and cause more anxiety. It can get to the point where the person is so concerned about having one of these attacks in public they stop going out. About one-third with panic disorder untreated develops agoraphobia and will not leave home.

There is a combination of treatments for panic attacks. A trained mental health professional uses a specific type of counseling called psychotherapy, which help people by talking through strategies to help them understand and deal with the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one type that helps a person learn to recognize and change thought patterns or behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings. They also help the person to identify triggers or precipitating events that cause panic attacks.

Medications are often used in conjunction with therapy. Some anti-depressant drugs are used such as Paxil and anti-anxiety medication such as Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin are used to treat panic disorders. Positive visual imagery and specific breathing techniques can be used to help a person during an attack. The individual can also help themselves by not consuming foods or beverages that may contribute to anxiety such as coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. You can also check with your Doctor about any across the counter drugs or herbal supplements that might contribute to anxiety problems.

Tommy Eddy is a mental health professional at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
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