Panic Disorder and Intrusive Thoughts

Panic and anxiety disorders take many forms, from phobias to social disorders

, they are all somehow linked, but without one discernable cause. Traumatic situations, overbearing or absent parents, childhood trauma, reactions to medication, drug abuse and illness are just some of the potential causes.

The human mind is a complex thing. Those who suffer from panic attacks quite commonly suffer from other mental health issues, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, or alcohol abuse.

Those who suffer from panic disorder frequently also struggle with intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are any thoughts that we haven't initiated through our own choice they pop into our head like an unwanted visitor. Where they become particularly troubling is when the same thoughts continually return, causing us to dwell on them constantly, time and time again. They begin to dominate our lives, to the point that it is hard to concentrate on anything else.

Intrusive thoughts are sometimes irrational, but can also be rooted in typical worries such as money and personal performance. A panic attack sufferer's intrusive thought could be a constant fear that a loved one will leave, or a constant thought that one should be doing better at work. A sufferer can begin to worry unnecessarily about their health, constantly having thoughts that they have an inexplicable disease.

Just as troubling is when a person begins to continually have intrusive thoughts about something that seems really innocuous or ridiculous. The sufferer can then begin to worry that they are losing their sanity they wonder why they can't stop thinking these mad thoughts.

Intrusive thoughts can exacerbate symptoms of prolonged panic disorder. There are few treatments available specifically for intrusive thoughts, and advice is rather rudimentary. If the patient is able to recognize why the intrusive thought keeps returning, then perhaps it is a good first step to understanding the reasoning behind their panic disorder. If the thought seems to be linked to the panic attack triggers, then it should be discussed with a friend or counselor.

If the recurring thoughts are clearly just the sufferer's mind playing tricks on them, a mind running along at 100mph, then the best defense is distraction. When the recurring thought returns it may be best to find something else to occupy the mind. This way the intrusive thought does not get much air-play', and will eventually recede.

Exercise is perhaps the best form of distraction for the panic attack sufferer from intrusive thoughts, as endorphins are also released while one is distracting the mind.

Panic Disorder and Intrusive Thoughts

By: Elizabeth Hayes

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