Rooting Out 6 Myths Related to Panic Attack Anxiety disorder is among the most common mental disorders globally and in the United Sates it is a growing problem, affecting nearly 40 million adults. As per reports, it is more common in developed countries than the developing ones. Anxiety disorders cover a gamut of problems, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. A lot of myths surround mental conditions due to ignorance and lack of awareness among people, and panic attack or panic disorder is one of them. Here, we look at six common myths that people have regarding panic attacks: 1. One can become unconscious during panic attack Most people have a notion that a panic attack can make one unconscious when symptoms go out of control. A person faints when there is a dip in the blood pressure (BP), but during panic attacks, the BP soars and one feels that he or she is going to lose control. In reality, it does not happen. Due to an increase in the BP, one experiences chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing. These are actual physical symptoms of a panic attack, but one does not faint during one. 2. Panic attacks are nothing but overreaction to stress Bouts of panic attack can last from few seconds to as long as 10 minutes which can be debilitating as they are not just an overt reaction to stress. A victim’s fight-or-flight response gets into action during panic attacks and he or she tends to avoid the trigger during such episodes. 3. Panic attacks and anxiety disorder are same Panic attack is a part of the umbrella term anxiety disorders, but the two problems are not the same. Anxiety is related to envisaging something bad in the future with no specific timeline. However, in a panic
attack people have fears and apprehensions that something untoward might happen within the next few minutes or later in the week. 4. Panic attack afflictions are for life People often believe that if they get an episode of panic attack once, they will have to take lifelong medication. This is a myth revolving around panic attacks as they can be managed well with medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. But early intervention holds the key. One should not procrastinate the treatment and try to rein in panic attacks at the earliest. 5. Communication with patient of panic attack is impossible People generally believe that relating to someone who has faced panic attacks is challenging. One should exhibit compassion towards a victim of panic attack and also lend a sympathetic ear to him or her. Love and affection can help a person elaborate on the experiences felt during such attacks. This, in turn, should provide sufficient leads for treatment. 6. Panic attacks are gateway to serious mental disorders This is the most serious of all the myths surrounding panic attacks. It paints a grim picture of the future for someone who experiences panic attacks. People often believe that panic attacks are a precursor to other serious mental conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. But this is definitely not the case. Still, if somebody has such doubts, an immediate appointment should be sought with a mental health professional to gain clarity regarding such apprehensions. Recovery road map Anxiety disorders can be managed with timely intervention and episodes of panic attacks can be tackled with medications and psychotherapy. If a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder and you are scouting for anxiety treatment centers in Florida, you may contact the Florida Helpline for Anxiety for an immediate response. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-920-9834 to connect to the best anxiety disorders treatment in Florida where treatment is comprehensive and sobriety long-term.
For more information, please visit www.floridahelplineforanxiety.com