Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is characterized by many sensations of hyper-arousal occurring simultaneously: difficulty breathing, chest pain, tingling in the extremities, nausea, dizziness, or feeling the need to flee.

Panic may be brought on by association from prior stressful or even traumatic events in which one continues to re-experience the intensity of the emotional trauma again and again.

Panic Disorder is a significant risk factor for depression. Panic symptoms are a major source of misdiagnosis of other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, headache, and gastrointestinal disorders.

How can Dr. Kohn help you?

Dr. Kohn uses a variety of evaluation forms and both Assessment and Treatment Tools in his Practice. He uses a Holistic view of the patient and the problem. Dr. Kohn uses a Biological-Psychological-Social framework to assess your symptoms because he knows that the proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.

Panic Disorder treatment: Often the SSRI class of medication is used as a first line treatment (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro). Additional medication to stop the panic attack rather than prevent the panic attack may include Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, etc.

Linked to medication is the role of therapy. This intervention provides a guide to help uncover the invisible links between the "limbic system and the frontal lobes," i.e., the links between the unconscious and the wakeful, thinking brain.

The social network that one forms is both a source of strength and a trigger for ongoing panic. Understanding ways one can modify exposure to the triggers of panic is systematically incorporated into the social aspect of the treatment plan.