Panic Disorder Self-Diagnosis: Am I Also in a Swamp of Anxiety?

1. To those who wish to regain peace of mind

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the representative director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. Today, I would like to talk about panic disorder, one of the mental health issues frequently experienced by modern people. Have you ever had an experience where your daily life felt like it was collapsing, overwhelmed by sudden fear and anxiety? As a doctor of Korean medicine, I have also met many people who have suffered from panic disorder for a long time. Together, we will uncover the reality of panic disorder and seek a path of hope toward a healthy life.

2. Are you experiencing this too? Representative symptoms of panic disorder

Whenever I go outside, the strength leaves my whole body and I feel like I'm suffocating. I can't even dream of using public transportation, and I've canceled all my gatherings with friends. I am afraid of being left alone, so I cannot leave the house.

Panic disorder is a condition in which one experiences extreme anxiety and fear due to panic attacks that arrive without warning. The manifestations are diverse, ranging from physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and numbness in the hands and feet, to mental distress such as the fear of death or the feeling of going crazy. Because one never knows when an attack will occur, they may be constantly engulfed in anxiety, making daily life difficult. If these symptoms are not unfamiliar, it may be necessary to suspect panic disorder.

3. Panic Disorder, What Kind of Disease Is It?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack refers to a sudden onset of extreme fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart as if it might burst, shortness of breath, dizziness, and trembling. They usually last for about 20~30 minutes, but the sense of fear is very extreme. About 30% of panic disorder patients also accompany agoraphobia. Genetic factors, serotonin imbalance in the brain, and stress are cited as the primary causes.

4. Sickness of the Mind, Where Does It Come From?

The causes of panic disorder are complex. Genetic factors account for a large proportion; it is said that family members of panic disorder patients have a higher incidence of panic disorder compared to the general population. An imbalance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is also one of the main causes. Serotonin is a substance that regulates our emotions, and when that balance is disrupted, it is easy to become anxious. Panic disorder is often triggered after prolonged high-intensity stress or after experiencing a shocking event, such as the death of a loved one.

5. Panic Disorder from the Perspective of Korean Medicine

In Korean Medicine, panic disorder is viewed as a disease caused by an imbalance of the mind and body. The Heart (心) is the monarch of the human body, the organ that oversees mental functions. When the function of the Heart (心) weakens, symptoms such as anxiety and restlessness appear. The Liver (肝) is the general of the human body, governing the smooth circulation of Qi. When the function of the Liver (肝) declines due to emotions of anger (怒) or stress, the circulation of Qi is blocked, leading to complaints of chest tightness and palpitations. Additionally, the Spleen (脾) is the source of acquired Qi; if the function of the Spleen (脾) weakens, the mind and body become deficient and can become unstable.

Baekrokdam's Korean Medicine Treatment Program

At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide customized treatment tailored to the symptoms and constitution of each panic disorder patient. First, we comprehensively assess the patient's physical condition through tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and other methods. Based on this, we determine deficiency patterns (虛證), excess patterns (實證), and imbalances of heat and cold to provide the appropriate prescription. Additionally, we promote the harmony of the imbalanced mind and body through acupuncture treatment. We enhance the therapeutic effect by stimulating Baekrokdam's special acupoints that help manage anxiety and restore mental and physical stability.

A companion for healing the mind, Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic

At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, Korean medicine doctors with abundant clinical experience stay by the patient's side. Chief Director Choi Yeon-seung, a graduate of Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, has been dedicated to the treatment of panic disorder through the harmonious integration of classical prescriptions (Gobo) and modern Korean medicine. Based on know-how accumulated over 16 years, we suggest the most suitable treatment method for each individual patient. In the treatment process, we prioritize communication with the patient above all else. Within a comfortable and warm clinical atmosphere, we help patients open up about the emotional wounds they have hidden. Furthermore, we provide self-management methods that patients can consistently practice on their own, such as breathing meditation and exercise therapy.

The anxiety within me, now goodbye!

In the past, I was afraid of even going outside, but now I have gained enough confidence to take the subway by myself. Since I have been consistently taking herbal medicine and maintaining regular lifestyle habits, I feel that both my body and mind have become much lighter. Above all, I am happy that I can now control my own life.

Many panic disorder patients who visited Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic are experiencing changes in their lives through treatment.

An anxious mind, we soothe it with Korean medicine

To overcome panic disorder, improving lifestyle habits is also essential. Relieve tension through regular exercise and take care of your health with a balanced diet. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can increase anxiety. Additionally, we recommend practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation in your daily life to alleviate stress. Above all, it is important to move forward slowly at your own pace. The saying 'the more you hurry, the more you should take the long way around' is also valid in overcoming panic disorder.

Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, gifting peace to your heart

I had become lethargic because my anxiety did not subside even with medication, but after receiving acupuncture treatment and counseling at the clinic, I feel like my will to live is returning. I have become able to fully accept my body and mind. Now, I feel like I can reconcile with myself.

Even at this moment, there are many people struggling with panic disorder. They are likely living every day like a war due to fear of their surroundings and extreme anxiety. To you who are suffering alone, please reach out for a hand of hope now. It is never easy to overcome an illness of the mind by one's own strength alone. Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic will be a reliable support by your side. A healthy accompaniment that heals your body and mind with the wisdom of ancient prescriptions and the technology of modern Korean medicine, start right now.