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Early Symptoms of Panic Disorder, Let's Learn Together
Blog January 19, 2025

Early Symptoms of Panic Disorder, Let's Learn Together

Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
<h2 id="1-%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%9E%A5%EC%95%A0-%EB%8D%94-%EC%9D%B4%EC%83%81-%ED%98%BC%EC%9E%90-%EA%B3%A0%EB%AF%BC%ED%95%98%EC%A7%80-%EB%A7%88%EC%84%B8%EC%9A%94">1. Panic Disorder: Don't Struggle Alone Anymore</h2><p>Hello, this is Dr. Yeon-Seung Choi, Chief Physician of Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine. Many people find daily life difficult due to sudden panic attacks and chronic anxiety. Panic disorder, characterized by extreme fear that feels like your breath is catching and your chest is about to burst, is something we want to explore ways to overcome together.</p><h2 id="2-%EC%9D%BC%EC%83%81%EC%9D%84-%EB%B0%A9%ED%95%B4%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94-%EB%B6%88%EC%B2%AD%EA%B0%9D-%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%9E%A5%EC%95%A0">2. An Unwelcome Guest That Disrupts Daily Life: Panic Disorder</h2><blockquote>"Suddenly, I can't breathe, and my heart pounds as if it will burst. I'm overwhelmed by a fear of dying and can't do anything. I've even developed social avoidance, making work and social life feel overwhelming."</blockquote><p>Those suffering from panic disorder generally report similar symptoms. Many people are struggling with these similar symptoms. At Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine, we strive to alleviate these symptoms.</p><h2 id="3-%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%9E%A5%EC%95%A0%EB%9E%80-%EB%AC%B4%EC%97%87%EC%9D%BC%EA%B9%8C%EC%9A%94">3. What is Panic Disorder?</h2><p>Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden, intense panic attacks that appear without warning. It is accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and tremors, along with psychological distress like fear of dying and feeling as if one is going crazy. It typically develops in individuals in their 20s and 30s, and is about twice as common in women than in men.</p><h2 id="4-%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%8C%EC%9D%98-%EB%B3%91-%EB%AA%B8%EC%9D%98-%EB%B0%98%EC%9D%91">4. A Disorder of the Mind, a Reaction of the Body</h2><p>The causes of panic disorder are diverse. It is known to be caused by a complex interplay of factors such as excessive stress, an unstable temperament, and genetic predispositions. In particular, chronic daily stress can lead to an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which seems to trigger panic attacks. Excessive health anxiety and perfectionistic tendencies also play a role.</p><h2 id="5-%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%98%ED%95%99%EC%9C%BC%EB%A1%9C-%EB%B0%94%EB%9D%BC%EB%B3%B4%EB%8A%94-%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%9E%A5%EC%95%A0">5. Panic Disorder from a Korean Medicine Perspective</h2><p>In Korean Medicine, panic disorder is viewed as a condition caused by an imbalance between the mind and body. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) mentions symptoms such as chest tightness (흉민) and anxiety. Stress can lead to Liver Qi Stagnation (간기울결), and when the Heart-Mind (심신) is depleted, palpitations (심계) can occur. Disruptions in the circulation of Qi and Blood (기혈) and dysfunction of the Zang-fu organs (장부) are also contributing causes.</p><h2 id="6-%EB%B0%B1%EB%A1%9D%EB%8B%B4%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%98%EC%9B%90%EC%9D%98-%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%9E%A5%EC%95%A0-%EC%B9%98%EB%A3%8C-%EC%A0%84%EB%9E%B5">6. Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine's Treatment Strategy for Panic Disorder</h2><p>At Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine, we provide personalized prescriptions tailored to each patient's symptoms and constitution through Pattern Identification and Treatment (변증시치). Alongside herbal medicine therapy (한약 요법) that relieves Liver Depression (간울) and calms the Heart-Mind (심신), we perform acupuncture treatment (침 치료) to promote meridian circulation. Furthermore, we aim to restore the balance of the autonomic nervous system through practices like breathing meditation and Qigong (기공).</p><h2 id="%ED%99%98%EC%9E%90%EC%99%80-%ED%95%A8%EA%BB%98-%ED%98%B8%ED%9D%A1%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94-%EB%B0%B1%EB%A1%9D%EB%8B%B4%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%98%EC%9B%90">Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine: Breathing with Our Patients</h2><p>Based on extensive clinical experience, Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine provides personalized treatment for each patient. We prioritize communication with patients throughout the treatment process and focus on finding the root cause of the illness to provide effective treatment. Chief Physician Yeon-Seung Choi graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine and has dedicated 16 years to treating panic disorder. Our characteristic approach involves harmoniously integrating classical herbal formulas (고방) with modern Korean Medicine.</p><h2 id="%EA%B3%B5%ED%99%A9%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C-%EB%B2%97%EC%96%B4%EB%82%98-%EC%83%88-%EC%82%B6%EC%9D%84-%EC%B0%BE%EC%9D%80-%EC%82%AC%EB%9E%8C%EB%93%A4">People Who Found New Life After Overcoming Panic</h2><blockquote>"I used to constantly worry about panic attacks, but now my mind feels much lighter. Thanks to regular lifestyle habits and treatment at Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine, the frequency and intensity of my attacks have significantly decreased."</blockquote><p>At Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine, we have met panic disorder patients of various ages. From college students in their 20s to heads of households in their 50s, each individual came with their unique stories. As a result of combining herbal medicine intake, acupuncture treatment, and meditation training, most patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. They have returned to their daily lives and are living healthy lives.</p><h2 id="%EC%9E%91%EC%9D%80-%EC%8B%A4%EC%B2%9C%EC%9D%B4-%EB%A7%8C%EB%93%9C%EB%8A%94-%ED%81%B0-%EB%B3%80%ED%99%94">Small Practices, Big Changes</h2><p>Alongside treatment for panic disorder, improving lifestyle habits is crucial. Avoid excessive stress, and find peace of mind and body through regular exercise and meditation. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake and maintaining a balanced diet are also helpful. Most importantly, cultivating a mindset of self-love and acceptance is necessary. These small practices will collectively become the foundation for improving your quality of life.</p><h2 id="%EB%8B%B9%EC%8B%A0%EC%9D%98-%EA%B1%B4%EA%B0%95%ED%95%9C-%EB%82%B4%EC%9D%BC%EC%9D%84-%EC%9D%91%EC%9B%90%ED%95%A9%EB%8B%88%EB%8B%A4">We Support Your Healthy Tomorrow</h2><blockquote>"What problems can arise if panic disorder worsens?"</blockquote><p>If panic disorder is left untreated, it can significantly diminish one's quality of life and lead to other psychiatric issues such as social anxiety (대인기피증) or depression. Therefore, receiving appropriate treatment early on is crucial. At Baekrokdam Clinic of Korean Medicine, we are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy life. Please visit us for a consultation anytime. We sincerely hope that today's worries and anxieties will transform into tomorrow's hope.</p>

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

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