Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia

Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia is a difficult, but treatable condition through Cognitive Therapy and frequently medications. It tends to run in families, so there is likely a strong genetic component to it. The first time a person experiences a panic attack, physiological symptoms can be so severe, that thoughts of death and fear of total loss of control are common. First time panic attack victims frequently end up in emergency departments of hospitals, convinced of having a heart attack or stroke. This is not to say that if a person should avoid seeking medical help if unsure of having a heart attack or panic attack: it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

The diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia means a person experiences panic attacks at any time, in any place, even in the safety of his or her own home. The word Agoraphobia has Greek roots loosely meaning  fear of open spaces, so  “without Agoraphobia”  would suggest the fear response occurs in innocuous places.

All anxiety disorders are based in fear. It  is the strongest emotion we have since it has survival value. None of other emotions can spawn a total takeover of our thoughts and behaviors like fear. Anger is frequently associated with panic attacks in the absence of agoraphobia. It’s almost like the fear of losing control of oneself through anger can lead to the panic attack. SInce all anxiety is based on the feeling of fear and loss of control, the ultimate loss of control is death. That is why the first symptom of panic attacks is that belief of impending doom.

Classic symptoms are:
Fear of impending doom
Excessive sweating
Tachycardia (heart beating very fast)
Clammy, sweaty palms
Gastrointestinal upset
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Vertigo

Some other diagnoses which can be confused with Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia are alcohol intoxication, substance abuse, PTSD and withdrawal from many prescription and non-prescription drugs.