Panic Disorder: Do You Know the Early Symptoms?

1. To Those Struggling with Panic Disorder

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the head director of Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Many people experience difficulties in their daily lives due to sudden panic attacks and anxiety. Are you, perhaps, also struggling with these symptoms? Today, let's learn about the early symptoms of panic disorder and discuss how Korean medicine can approach it.

2. Panic Disorder: An Uninvited Guest Disrupting Daily Life

Every time I go outside, my heart drops and I feel out of breath. I avoid crowded places, let alone public transportation. It has significantly disrupted my work life, causing immense stress.

Those suffering from panic disorder often experience unexpected panic attacks. Their heart races excessively, they become short of breath, feel dizzy, and sometimes nauseous. They can be engulfed by extreme fear and anxiety, even feeling as if they are 'about to die.' These experiences significantly interfere with their daily lives.

3. Panic Disorder: What Kind of Illness Is It?

Panic disorder is a condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Key symptoms include palpitations, excessive sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking sensation, chest pain, dizziness, and fear of death. It typically develops in people in their 20s and 30s, and is about twice as common in women as in men. It often starts with mild anxiety symptoms, but tends to worsen in intensity, making daily life difficult.

4. Panic Disorder: Intricately Linked to Various Factors

The causes of panic disorder are highly diverse. Excessive stress, irregular lifestyle habits, and lack of sleep are major contributing factors. Genetic factors and personality traits can also play a role. For example, individuals with perfectionist or unstable personalities tend to be more susceptible to panic disorder. Additionally, excessive intake of stimulants like alcohol or caffeine, and overactivity of the brain's norepinephrine system can also be causes.

5. Panic Disorder from the Perspective of Korean Medicine

In Korean medicine, panic disorder is referred to as 'anxiety syndrome' and is considered to arise from an imbalance of the mind and body. Symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness are interpreted as dysfunction of the Heart organ, while dizziness is seen as Liver Yang rising. Imbalance of Zang-fu organs and obstruction of Qi and Blood circulation are considered the primary pathologies. Furthermore, panic disorder can manifest when Liver Qi stagnates due to stress, and phlegm-retention accumulates as the mind and body weaken.

6. Korean Medicine Treatment to Restore Mind-Body Harmony

At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we treat panic disorder by focusing on restoring the balance of mind and body and regulating the functions of the Zang-fu organs. Through pattern identification and treatment, we provide personalized prescriptions tailored to each patient's constitution and symptoms. Prescriptions such as Gamigwibi-tang and Cheonwangbosim-dan are used to manage Liver Qi stagnation and stabilize the mind and body. Additionally, we combine pharmacopuncture therapy, which helps improve autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and Chuna therapy, which promotes Qi and Blood circulation, to maximize treatment effectiveness.

7. Extensive Clinical Experience and Personalized Treatment

Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic provides personalized treatment based on extensive clinical experience. We prioritize communication with patients during the treatment process and focus on finding the root cause of the disease for targeted treatment.

Before, I was afraid to even go to the supermarket, let alone the subway. But now, I walk around outside without anxiety. I've regained my appetite and am sleeping soundly, so I feel much healthier than before.

Many people who received panic disorder treatment at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic are enjoying the joy of returning to their daily lives. Mr. A, an office worker in his mid-30s, suffered from abdominal pain and shortness of breath, but his symptoms significantly improved after Korean medicine treatment.

Creating a Healthy Daily Life with Small Changes

To prevent panic disorder and maintain a healthy mind and body, improving lifestyle habits is paramount. Build physical strength with regular exercise and boost immunity with a balanced diet. It is also beneficial to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep per day. Gentle meditation or stretching before bedtime can also help. Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, and it's also important to anticipate and prepare for stressful situations.

Time to Regain Peace of Mind

If you are suffering from extreme anxiety, it would be beneficial to seek professional help, wouldn't it?

If not treated promptly, panic disorder can become chronic and significantly impair one's quality of life. If you suspect early symptoms, we highly recommend visiting a Korean medicine clinic for a thorough consultation. At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we will listen to our patients' stories with a warm heart. Through thorough medical history taking and examination, we will do our best to identify the cause and help you regain a healthy quality of life. For those who have lost their peace of mind, why not take some time for healing at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic?