Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a potentially debilitating mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These intense periods of fear or discomfort can arise with no warning and escalate quickly, making you question whether you need medical attention.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can result from specific stressors or occur seemingly at random, including symptoms like these.
- Heart palpitations or an accelerated heart rate
- Sweating or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or being detached from yourself
- Fear of losing control or dying
Panic Disorder vs. Daily Worries
A panic attack can happen to anyone and does not necessarily indicate panic disorder. The primary difference between experiencing a single panic attack and having panic disorder lies in the frequency, intensity and impact of these episodes on your everyday life.
- Frequency: Panic attacks occur repeatedly, often without a predictable pattern or a connection to the circumstances at hand.
- Intensity: When you have panic disorder, your worries about having another panic attack may become pervasive and long-lasting.
- Impact: Recurrent panic attacks can make you fear public places or situations where you could be vulnerable. As a result, you may significantly change your behavior by restricting your daily activities. In some cases, agoraphobia may develop as well. Your relationships, job performance and overall well-being can suffer, leaving you feeling isolated and helpless.
Understanding a Dual Diagnosis
People who live with panic disorder may reach for alcohol or drugs in search of relief from their distressing symptoms. Unfortunately, a worsening addiction can exacerbate the frequency and severity of panic attacks, feeding a destructive and self-perpetuating cycle.
When panic disorder and substance abuse fuel each other, medical professionals refer to it as a dual diagnosis. The inherent challenges of overlapping mental and behavioral disorders require specialized treatment that targets both conditions simultaneously. Addressing only one condition and overlooking the other can lead to incomplete recovery and increase your risk of experiencing a relapse.
Client-First Treatment in California
Living with a dual diagnosis can be challenging, but Hope by the Sea puts healing within your reach with personalized programming that caters to your unique needs. Our experienced psychologists and therapists use evidence-based practices tailored to the complexities of each client’s concerns and wellness goals.
At our family-owned treatment center, we have intentionally crafted a safe, restorative environment for healing. You will have access to a blend of science-based and holistic approaches that go beyond symptom management. Our staff members have firsthand experience with the realities of mental health and addiction treatment. Everyone on our team has successfully used the tools in our program to build a foundation for lifelong recovery. Let their real-life examples guide and inspire you throughout your stay with us.
At Hope by the Sea, we have helped hundreds of people regain control of their lives through comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment. You don’t have to struggle in silence. Start healing today with a simple phone call to our California rehab center.
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