Diagnosis of Panic Disorder

Diagnosis generalized anxiety disorder, diagnosis agoraphobia, diagnosis phobias

In case of a person being found with the symptoms of panic disorder, it is recommended to get medical consultation as early as possible. They are tough to manage without help and may worsen if not treated. Since panic attack symptoms are similar to other health problems like heart attack, it is as important as the other serious complications to make a check up especially when the person is uncertain about the cause of the symptoms.

Nowadays, many people are aware and take regular check ups at the emergency department and consult many doctors and hospitals owing to their serious physical condition which cannot be easily diagnosed. Initially a primary care provider can be approached. If the provider confirms the belief that the person is supposed to have the symptoms of a panic disorder, then it is recommended to meet a psychologist or psychiatrist for treatment.

If the person has been found to have the symptoms but unwilling to take the treatment, it is better to confide in a trusted person, either a friend or spouse or health care professional to take the initial steps. In order to identify the symptoms, the person needs to undergo several tests. It is the responsibility of the doctor to determine if it is panic disorder or other similar condition. The tests and examinations included are
• Physical exam – includes general body check up
 Height and weight
 Heart rate
 Blood pressure
 Temperature
 Examining the abdomen
 Attention to heart and lungs
• Laboratory tests
 Complete blood count
 Thyroid tests
 Blood tests
 Electrocardiogram – to check functioning of heart
• Psychological evaluation

The doctor questions regarding the symptoms of the disease like what symptoms occur and what are their feelings then, the frequency of occurrence, at what time they occur normally and if occurred, how long they last for and since what age the person has been experiencing these. The patient needs to discuss about their stressful life events, fears and concerns, relationship issues and other problems they are facing in their life. Sometimes the patient is asked to fill out a questionnaire which includes self-assessment questions. The patient needs to state their drug or alcohol abuse, if any.

Everyone is not likely to develop the panic disorder full-blown all at once. In order to be diagnosed having panic disorder, the person must meet some criteria stated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by American Psychiatric Association. This manual is of a great help for many of the health care providers for diagnosis of panic disorder and also for insurance companies to compensate for the treatment.

The criteria includes
• Frequent, unanticipated panic attacks
• Worry constantly for future panic attacks or for losing control
• Avoiding places and situations owing to fear that it may be a trigger

The panic attacks are not the result of any substance abuse or general medical condition like agoraphobia or social phobia. If it is just in the initial stages and not yet fully-blown, the treatment may prove very beneficial. But if they are left untreated, it may lead to other serious consequences.