Panic disorder is not a make-believe illness that hypochondriacs create. It is real and frightening to people who suffer from this anxiety disorder. If you are around a person who shows signs of intense panic disorder, it helps to remain level-headed and calm during the episode. Panic disorder produces unexpected intense fear and panic. Panic disorder can happen anywhere and any time. It is usually caused by intense stress or emotional crisis in a person's life and can happen without warning. Many people who suffer from panic disorder lead normal lives with jobs and families.
These terror-stricken episodes are often referred to as panic attacks. Panic attacks can not only cause emotional symptoms but physical symptoms including dizziness, profuse sweating, fainting, heart palpitations, nausea, difficulty breathing, feelings of intense heat or cold, chest pain and headaches.
If you are around a person who shows signs of panic disorder, remember to remain calm and soft-spoken. Do not speak in a harsh tone or become agitated. Sit quietly with the person. Talk to them in a quiet voice. Breathe with him and ask him to breathe slowly and calmly (breathing in through the nostrils and exhaling through the mouth). Move him into a quiet, peaceful environment (especially if you are in a crowd).
Do not lecture or make him feel bad if he experiences intense feelings of fear or overwhelming emotions. Listen to his fears and reassure him that he won't be harmed and are safe. Offer a glass of water if he looks flushed or a blanket if he feels cold. Ask him how you can help and if he has a friend or family member who can further help. If symptoms persist and he is threatening bodily harm to himself or another person, immediately call 911. If the stricken person shows signs of depression after the panic attack, seek the advice of a mental health professional.
