Panic Disorder Essay

Introduction

Panic disorder is an anxiety-repeated disorder that affects approximately five percent of the population (Roy-Byrne, Craske, & Stein, 2006). A diagnosis of panic disorder requires that the individual experiences recurrent panic attacks with any of the following: worry about the possibility of future attacks, avoiding places or situations in which the individual fears a panic attack may occur, fear of being unable to escape or obtain help, or any other change in behavior due to the attacks (Roy-Byrne, Craske, & Stein, 2006). Panic attacks are often sudden and the sufferer usually experience physical symptoms such as autonomie, otoneurological, gastrointestinal,or cardiorespiratory distress (Roy-Byrne, Craske, & Stein, 2006). Individuals who suffer from panic disorder typically utilize medical services at a higher rate than those who do not have panic disorder, an impaired social life, and a reduced quality of life (Taylor, 2006). Often times those who suffer from panic disorder may also suffer from depression and general anxiety (Taylor, 2006). According to the Stanford University School of medicine, approximately 50 percent of patients diagnosed with panic disorder will develop depression and approximately 50 percent of depressed patients will develop panic disorder (Taylor, 2006). In addition those who suffer from panic disorder have a higher incidence of suicide, especially those with comorbid depression (Taylor, 2006). Not everyone who experiences a panic attack suffers from panic disorder (Roy-Byrne, Craske, & Stein, 2006). The same physical symptoms of panic disorder may occur when an individual is faced with specific fears and potentially dangerous situations (Roy-Byrne, Craske, & Stein, 2006). The difference b...

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... “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. The fear of the Lord will change one’s distorted thinking into God’s perspective. Psalms 31:19 (ESV) says that the Lord encamps around those who fear him. When we are crippled by fear we can be comforted by the presence of the Lord because we are to fear him and him alone. As one who fear the Lord, they can take comfort and rest in knowing that the one who fears the Lord has a secure fortress (Psalm 14:26, ESV).

Conclusion

Panic attacks can be a very debilitating disorder across many cultures, and there are many medical and psychotherapy treatments available that can help one cope and lessen the impact of fear is has on one’s life. Despite such treatments currently available, none can provide the freedom from fear that is found only in the presence of Jesus Christ.