what happens if you don’t get treatment for panic attacks?

In the last issue we talked about the physical signs of an anxiety attack. In this issue we are going to be talking about  what happens if you don’t get treatment for panic attacks?

I know that I have said this before, but it is very important, so I am going to say it again.

At the onset of a panic attack or id you believe that you may be suffering from panic disorder, it is best to go see your doctor immediately and be evaluated.

This will not only give you a clear understanding of the type and severity of the condition, but it can also prevent the disorder from becoming worse.

Today we are going to go over several possible scenarios that could happen if you don’t get help for panic attacks.

First we have 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 heart attack.

Over-dependence on psychotherapeutic drugs, specifically anti-anxiety disorder medications. For manage their condition on their own often rely on medications as the ultimate solution against their panic attacks.

While over-dependence on medication to control the symptoms of panic attacks is not the same as addiction to the medications, this behavior still poses serious possible problems since the people who become dependent on drugs often fail to utilize other more effective treatments.

There is also the risk that they will become too dependent that they would fail to function properly without the necessary dosage of particular drugs.

Although there are times where some dependence on medications is necessary and effective, especially in severe cases, you must keep in mind that it is not the only solution.

There are less intensive, less invasive, but equally appropriate therapies and methods that are sometimes overlooked.

Next we have Depression.

Studies show that 20% of panic attack patients are likely to commit suicide, as a result of depression.

The connection between panic attacks and depression can be viewed from several different standpoints. Depression often develops from a person’s exhaustion caused by chronic anxiety that typically accompany panic attacks.

Another explanation supports the fact that people with panic attacks often develop serious cases of agoraphobia which prevents them from socializing with other people and from doing the things that they previously enjoyed. This all leads to a general feeling of isolation, unhappiness and may lead to the development of depression.

Then there is Diabetes.

While diabetes is not commonly associated with panic or anxiety it is not uncommon to find that people who are suffering from panic
attacks also have indications of other illnesses like diabetes. These are considered comorbid disorders, which is when a person experiences two or more disorders simultaneously.  Research shows that people with diabetes who also experience intermittent episodes of panic attacks as well as suffer with depression are less likely to live quality lives and are also more likely to develop complications because they are not as capable of monitoring and controlling their blood glucose levels efficiently.

Last we have substance abuse.

Chronic misuse of alcohol and other unhealthy substances is a often coping mechanism that people use to combat the negative side effects of panic and anxiety disorders. As long as the panic attacks continue the chronic use of these substances will exist.

So there you have it. Some very possible scenarios that could happen if a person doesn’t get professional help for their anxiety
and panic attacks. Hopefully you can now understand why  I encourage you to seek the help of your physician if you feel that
you or someone you love is suffering with an anxiety or panic disorder.