Panic Disorder Diagnosis

In diagnosing the panic disorder, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms experienced, medical history, family history of illness, and use of drugs. The doctor will also perform a physical and supporting examination, namely blood tests to check thyroid function, as well as heart records (electrocardiography). After that, the doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) criteria to diagnose panic disorder. Some of the signs of mental illness that indicate a patient has panic disorder are:

Panic attacks occur suddenly for no apparent reason within 1 month, to make sufferers experience behavioral changes, including avoiding situations that trigger panic.
Panic attacks often occur for no apparent reason.
Panic attacks are not caused by drug use or treatment of a specific medical condition.
Panic attacks are not a symptom of another mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Panic disorder treatment aims to reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks, and help improve the sufferer’s quality of life. There are two methods for dealing with panic disorder, namely:

Psychotherapy
One type of psychotherapy that is recommended to treat panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy teaches the patient to think, behave, and react to the feelings that arise as a result of a panic attack. That way, the patient can overcome the fear of the situation that occurs during a panic attack.

Drugs
Doctors can also prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.

There is no definite way to prevent panic disorder. However, if you are undergoing treatment for panic disorder, there are several ways you can do to support the treatment process, namely:

Eat a balanced nutritious diet
Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
Limiting intake of sugary foods and drinks
Do relaxation exercises, such as yoga and mindfulness
Quit smoking
Join a panic disorder group to share information
Exercise regularly
Adequate sleep, which is for 8 hours per day.