Panic Disorder vs. Anxiety: Finding the Right Treatment Center in Burlington, MA
It is normal to feel nervous at times. It’s normal to be tense before a big meeting or appointment. Typically, once the situation has passed, the feeling goes away.
Panic can come in various forms. Your heart races. Your chest tightens. You might feel unsteady or faint.
Then another fear is born: What if it happens again?
This fear can impact your work, travel, social relations, and home life.
Knowing the difference between anxiety and panic disorder can help you find a treatment center in Burlington, MA.
Panic Disorder vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
It’s normal to feel anxious when stressed.
Anxiety disorders consist of fear and/or worry that are persistent, excessive, and disruptive.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurring and sudden panic attacks and a persistent concern or change in activities due to the fear of another panic attack.
Having a single panic attack doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of panic disorder.
A person who has generalized anxiety can be concerned with work, money, health, and relationships. A person who suffers from panic disorder might feel scared of having another attack.
What a Panic Attack Can Feel Like
Panic attacks are sudden and can be very physical.
You may have a racing heart. You may break out in a sweat, shake, get dizzy, or have difficulty breathing. For some, it causes chest pain and/or a loss of control.
Following this, you might avoid the location where the attack occurred.
For instance, if you’ve been driving on Route 128 when an attack occurs, you may decide to stop driving there.
You may not go shopping if you are afraid that you will not be able to get out of the store.
With time, avoidance can cause your world to shrink.
Panic Disorder Is More Common Than Many People Realize
According to the NIMH, 2.7% of adult Americans suffer from having panic disorder in the last year, and 4.7% have had it at some point in their lives.
Out of all those who have had panic disorder in the last year, 44.8% had serious impairment.
The National Institute of Mental Health also estimates that 19.1% of adults in the U.S. had an anxiety disorder in the past year.
These can have a great impact on a person’s life and require professional attention.
When Fear Begins To Disrupt Your Schedule
The first attack might feel like it’s an isolated panic attack. The next one will cause stress to you.
Over time, you may start scheduling your day to avoid another attack.
You choose seats near exits. You avoid highways. You stop working out at the gym when your heart rate increases, as it reminds you of the panics. You reject social plans as you feel you will be stuck.
These decisions can be temporary fixes, but they can contribute to avoidance.
The Importance of a Proper Diagnosis
While anxiety and panic may overlap, there is still a difference.
An accurate assessment takes into account your symptoms, frequency, triggers, physical sensations, avoidance behaviors, and how they affect your daily life.
Your provider will be able to write a treatment plan that’s based on the pattern.
There are various treatment options available for panic and anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Anxiety disorders are often treated using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT can teach individuals to recognize negative thinking patterns and to find alternative ways to think. CBT is considered one of the proven psychotherapy methods used to treat anxiety disorders.
Exposure techniques can also be used in treatment for panic.
These can be used to help you slowly approach feared situations without immediately leaving.
Medications
According to NIMH, antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can be used to treat panic disorder as well as anxiety disorders.
For some, medicines and therapy can be used together.
Structured Outpatient Care
Others need more regular support when panic interferes with work, relationships, sleep, or routine.
Structured outpatient treatment can offer ongoing therapy without the need to stay in an inpatient facility.
Finding the Right Treatment Center in Burlington, MA
Making a selection of a treatment center is not simply a matter of finding the closest office.
Identify care that includes:
- Individualized assessment
- Evidence-based psychotherapy
- Evaluation of medications, as appropriate
- Help with avoidance and panic
- Flexible outpatient care
Massachusetts has a statewide network of Community Behavioral Health Centers to provide mental health services, such as therapy, psychiatric medication consultations, and outpatient services.
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is a 24/7 telephone number people can call for behavioral health help.
When It Is Time to Reach Out
Seek professional help if you are:
- Avoiding places due to the fear of having another attack.
- Frequently fearing another incident.
- Not attending work or social events.
- Changing your routine to prevent anxiety.
- Lack of control over symptoms.
These patterns must be taken note of. Treatment can equip you to act on your anxiety and not be ruled by it.
Treatment at Forrest Behavioral Health
Treatment at Forrest Behavioral Health can offer personalized care to individuals experiencing anxiety, panic, and mental health issues.
A comprehensive evaluation can help determine what you are feeling and what kind of help you might require.
But if Burlington feels smaller due to panic, you don’t have to continue to stay away from places you’ve long enjoyed.
You Don’t Have to Plan Your Life around Panic
It’s easier to stay home when you’re panicking. Anxiety can cause a normal decision to be a big risk.
By avoiding all that scares you, you can restrict your life even more.
You can learn to interpret your symptoms, deal with challenging situations in small steps, and react differently to fear with the right treatment.
Forrest Behavioral Health can help you find a treatment center in Burlington, MA. There’s no need to wait for panic to get over before you begin to reclaim your life.
