Is panic disorder dangerous?
ByCan a panic attack be dangerous to your health? I have developed panic disorder. I have heard that the symptoms are not dangerous no matter how uncomfortable and full-blown they get, but I wanted to hear other people’s experience with it? I am trying to work through my panic attacks with cognitive treatment. I still have fear of being somewhere alone where I will have a massive panic attack, and there will be no escape, and no one will help me.
I have had a panic disorder for over 20 years. They certainly feel dangerous but, as my doctor has explained to me unless you already have a serious condition you will be fine.
After having years of Panic Attacks, before seeking treatment. I can tell you that no one I have met or myself have suffered health problems for having them.
It helps to keep a cell phone with you, it gives you a feeling of security = )
3 Comments
June 3rd, 2010 at 4:47 am
I have had a panic disorder for over 20 years. They certainly feel dangerous but, as my doctor has explained to me unless you already have a serious condition you will be fine.
After having years of panic attacks, before seeking treatment. I can tell you that no one I have met or myself have suffered health problems for having them.
It helps to keep a cell phone with you, it gives you a feeling of security = )
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June 3rd, 2010 at 5:22 am
I think you might just be being a hypochondriac. As someone who suffers from panic attacks I would say that it’s thinking like that which could lead to a panic attack. The idea behind CBT is to change the way you view stressful situations. Know that it’s very unlikely that you’ll find yourself completely alone if you avoid it, and that even in the worse case scenario, panic attacks aren’t dangerous at all. Even if you began to hyperventilate, it would not be damaging to your health, just your confidence; and if a panic attack could cause you to faint, you would breath normally whilst unconcious. If CBT doesn’t work to help you control your anxiety, you can be prescribed beater-blockers which will keep the symptoms under control. It could also help to have a strategy in case the worse happened; e.g you could always carry your phone with you as a comfort that if you became too panicky you could call someone to come and find you.
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Life experience
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:56 am
You can not die from a panic attack. You will not stop breathing from a panic attack. Panic attacks will not cause a heart attack. I know these statements are hard to believe, but I promise they are true! It’s great that you are in therapy, that is exactly what you need to be doing. However, it is sometimes necessary (as it was for me) to also take medication to help balance your brain chemicals. If you get worse or your panic fails to improve for a long time, then maybe you should talk to your therapist about this. Finally, if you haven’t already, go to your doctor and get a full checkup. Asthma, some vitamin deficiency and thyroid disorders can compound panic disorder, though this is very unlikely–and it is still not dangerous! Best of luck–trust that you will get better.
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