Panic and Generalized Anxiety Disorders

Panic disorder and generalized anxiety according to the DSM-IV-TR are classified as anxiety disorder. In this paper we will be discussing panic and generalized anxiety disorder looking into the different aspects such as contributing theories and what appropriate treatment can be use to help ease the symptoms of these disorders. According to the DSM-IV-TR panic disorder is a recurrent panic attack. It typically begins with the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear, or terror. Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning, for example they do not occur immediately before or on exposure to a situation that almost always causes anxiety. Therefore attacks can’t be predicted and may cause people to become stressed, anxious or worried wondering when the next panic attack will occur. Statistics show that 40% of all young adults have occasional panic attack, especially during times of intense stress, such as exam week.

Over time, when a person panic attack becomes a common occurrence, when it is not provoked by any particular situation and when a person begins to worry about having attacks and changes their behavior as a result of worrying then a diagnoses of panic disorder maybe given. People who suffer from panic disorder have attacks in intervals meaning everyday for a week and it goes for weeks or months. Some people have attacks less frequently but more regularly such as once every week for months. Between full- blown panic attacks, they might have more minor bouts of panic. Most people who develop panic disorder usually do so between late adolescence and in their mid- thirties. This disorder tends to be chronic once it begins. A study done by Ehlers, 1995 found that 92% of patients with panic disor...

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