The confusion between the terms "Psychiatry" (Mental Medicine) and "Psychiatrist" (Mental Health Physician) with other professions is a common phenomenon. We also encounter the misuse of our profession by some individuals.
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that primarily focuses on brain disorders. It includes conditions commonly referred to in everyday language as mental illnesses, psychological disorders, states of nervousness, etc. These disorders manifest through changes in thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Psychiatry deals with the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Panic attacks are a type of fear response, representing an exaggerated reflection of your body's normal reaction to danger, stress, or excitement. The symptoms of panic attacks develop suddenly and usually peak within 10 minutes. They rarely last for more than an hour, typically ending within 20-30 minutes. Panic attacks can occur at any time and place, whether you're shopping in a store, walking on the street, driving a car, or even sitting on the couch at home.
During a panic attack, you may feel like you're about to die, but these attacks are generally harmless. However, in some cases, you may need medical assistance to rule out an underlying physical cause.
A panic attack is an abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches its peak within a few minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms:
Some individuals experience limited panic attack symptoms, resembling full panic attacks but with fewer than four symptoms.
Panic attacks do not differ in severity or duration; they can only vary based on the triggers that provoke the attack. There are two distinct types of panic attacks:
Expected panic attacks: These occur when a person anticipates a panic attack when exposed to specific cues or panic triggers. For example, someone with claustrophobia may expect to have a panic attack in an elevator or other confined spaces. A person with a fear of flying (aerophobia) may anticipate a panic attack when boarding a plane or during a flight.
Unexpected panic attacks: These attacks occur suddenly without any apparent cause or warning signs. In these panic attacks, there are no conscious internal cues such as intense feelings of fear and anxiety or disturbing physical sensations. Unexpected attacks may not be associated with external clues, like exposure to a frightening event or situation that triggers specific phobias.
While there is no cure for panic disorder, there are various treatment options to help individuals control their symptoms. The most common options include prescription medications and/or psychotherapy. Many individuals with panic disorder will choose these options along with self-help techniques.
Medications for panic disorder, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, can help reduce the intensity of panic attacks and other anxiety-related symptoms. Psychotherapy can assist in coping with difficult emotions and developing healthy coping techniques.
The sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the better individuals can manage their symptoms and lead a more comfortable and smoother life with panic disorder.
The Psychiatry Department of Tekden Hospital offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to patients who want to cope with mental health issues. Our services, provided by expert psychiatrists and psychologists, aim to support the mental well-being of patients. Here are the detailed services offered in our department:
Depression and Anxiety Disorders:
Evaluation of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Medication therapy and therapy sessions.
Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia:
Diagnosis and management of bipolar and schizophrenia.
Appropriate medication therapy and psychosocial support.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Evaluation of OCD symptoms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Evaluation of individuals exposed to traumatic events.
Trauma-focused therapy sessions.
Eating Disorders:
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Nutritional counseling and therapy.
Sleep Disorders:
Evaluation of sleep problems such as insomnia.
Recommendations for improving sleep quality and, if necessary, medication therapy.
Addiction and Uncontrollable Behaviors:
Treatment of substance addiction and gambling addiction.
Support groups and individual therapies.
Emotional Problems and Relationship Issues:
Therapy for relationship problems.
Couples therapy and relationship counseling.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:
Evaluation of psychiatric problems in children and adolescents.
Family therapy.
Geriatric Psychiatry:
Treatment of mental health problems related to aging, such as dementia and depression.
Patient and family education.
Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Individual and group therapies.
Therapy tailored to individual goals using CBT.
The Psychiatry Department of Tekden Hospital adopts a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to protect and improve the mental health of patients. Your emotional and mental health is important to us.
