What Could Happen if I Didn’t Get Treatment For My Panic Attacks?

At the onset of panic attacks, it is best to go see your doctor immediately and have it evaluated.  This will give you a better understanding of what you have been experiencing, but,  also could prevent the aggravation of your panic attacks.  Here are several possible scenarios if you do not get panic attack intervention immediately:

Agoraphobia. Contrary to public belief, agoraphobia is not the fear of closed spaces. It is actually fear of public places basing from the Greek root word “agora” which means market or marketplace. Agoraphobics fear interaction with people especially in places where they expect to experience episodes of panic or anxiety. Panic attacks and agoraphobia are often closely connected as these disorders exhibit identical symptoms such as shortness of breath, the sensation of dying or going crazy, and the feeling of having a heart attack.

Over-dependence on psychotherapeutic medications specifically anti-anxiety disorder medications. People suffering from panic attacks and not able to help themselves without medication often totally let medications control their symptoms. Once this happens, they will not consider any other idea of a solution to their panic attacks except medication.

While over-dependence on medications to control the symptoms of panic attacks is not the same as addiction to the medications, this behavior still poses serious possible problems.  More often then not, they can become too dependent on the medications and would end up failing to function properly without the necessary dosage of the medications.

Further, although dependence on medications is not an entirely negative solution, in fact for some people it is the most effective, it should be remembered that it is not the only solution. There are less intensive, less invasive, but equally appropriate and effective therapies and methods that are typically overlooked due to too much dependence on panic attack drugs.

Depression. 20% of panic attack patients are likely to commit suicide, a typical outcome of depression, at one time or another, says research. The connection between panic attacks and depression can be viewed from several different standpoints. According to an explanation for example, depression develops from a person’s exhaustion caused by chronic anxiety that typically accompany such attacks.

Another explanation supports the fact that people with panic attacks and serious cases of agoraphobia are prevented from socializing with other people and from doing the things that they previously enjoyed.  This will then lead to a general feeling of isolation and unhappiness. This further leads to the development of episodes of depression. 

Diabetes. It is not uncommon to find people who are suffering from panic attacks also having indications of comorbid disorders, an example of which is diabetes. Research shows that people with diabetes and intermittent episodes of panic attacks are less likely to live quality lives and are also more likely to develop complications. Among people with diabetes, panic attacks as well as depression impede them from efficiently monitoring and controlling their blood glucose level.

Substance abuse. Chronic misuse of alcohol and other unhealthy substances is a coping mechanism against negative conditions such as behavioral disorders. So long as the condition that caused the chronic use of substances exists, in this case panic attacks, the negative resolution will persist.

These are just a few things that might happen if you have more than a few panic attacks and are not treated by a doctor.  A doctor can help you to find the best solution to how to get you  on the road to recovery and once and for all, stop having panic attacks.

Striving for Life Without Panic Attacks,
Shawnna
http://www.helpwithpanicattack.com/free/index.htm

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Tags: Help, Panic Attack, Treatments