Someone with PTSD may experience symptoms of panic, but that does not mean they have panic disorder.
At a Glance
Panic disorder and PTSD have some similarities, but they are different conditions.
Both conditions cause intense feelings of fear and may lead to panic attacks.
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To avoid having these panic attacks, people with panic disorder may begin avoid situations that trigger these episodes.
In some cases, this can lead to agoraphobia in which people become unable to leave their home.
Examples include military combat, sexual assault, or natural disasters.
The person may not have experienced the event firsthand.
PTSD and panic disorder can occur together at the same time.
Research has also found that having panic disorder significantly increases a persons risk of developing PTSD and vice versa.
It is not uncommon for a person with PTSD to also be diagnosed with panic disorder.
However, each condition has its own set of symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.
The differences between panic disorder and PTSD can be determined by considering several factors.
Panic attacks are a feeling of intense fear without the presence of actual danger.
Panic attacks are often experienced with physical sensations, such as dizziness, nausea, and trembling.
Avoidance Behaviors in Panic Disorder vs. PTSD
Both panic disorder and PTSD can lead to avoidance behaviors.
However, the underlying cause of such avoidance differs for each condition.
Avoidance in Panic Disorder
Having a panic attack can be a terrifying experience.
People with panic disorder often become frightened just thinking about their next impending attack.
Avoidance in PTSD
People with PTSD display manyavoidance behaviors.
A person may even experience memory loss of the event.
Medication
Medications can help treat symptoms of panic disorder and PTSD.
Such medications may include antidepressants and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications).
This approach focuses on changing the underlying negative thoughts that contribute to feelings of fear and anxiety.
For example,systematic desensitizationis a CBT technique that entails therapist-guided gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
The person learns to manage their fear in these situations through relaxation techniques.
Both panic disorder and PTSD have intense symptoms that can be successfully reduced through proper treatment.
For example, by treating the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, the development of panic attacks may be prevented.
They can evaluate your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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