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Panic Disorder, About That Suffocating Moment
Blog January 19, 2025

Panic Disorder, About That Suffocating Moment

Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director

Hello, everyone. Today, I'd like to talk about 'panic disorder,' something many of you might be experiencing. Symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, a pounding heart, trembling... these can sometimes shake our daily lives to their very core.

"That First Panic Attack: 'What is happening to me?'"

Many people, when they first experience a panic attack, are frightened and bewildered, wondering 'What is happening to me?' This uninvited guest appears suddenly in the midst of ordinary life, shaking our minds without any warning.

"Is Panic Disorder Simply 'Anxiety'?"

Many who suffer from panic disorder tend to dismiss themselves as 'just anxious people'. However, panic disorder signifies a deeper internal issue than mere anxiety or stress—a state where psychological balance has been disrupted. We need to pay careful attention to the signals our mind is sending.

"Panic Disorder from a Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective, and Its Treatment"

In traditional Korean medicine, panic disorder is viewed as a state where the balance between body and mind has been disrupted. Imbalances in our body's Qi and Blood, as well as dysfunction in internal organ function, can manifest as psychological symptoms. Treatment begins with restoring this balance.

"The Start of Healing: Finding Peace of Mind"

Treatment involves various methods such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and meditation. Relaxation techniques, especially meditation, are greatly helpful in regaining peace of mind. Furthermore, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are essential for maintaining balance between body and mind.

"Living with Panic Disorder: Finding Balance Within"

Experiencing panic disorder is certainly not easy. However, through this experience, we can gain an opportunity to understand our inner selves more deeply and listen more attentively to the voices of our body and mind. Taking care of oneself—that is the first step needed for those experiencing panic disorder.

"Finally, A Word to All of You"

To those struggling with panic disorder, please do not try to bear everything alone. While we may sometimes be overwhelmed by the weight of life, even within that, we can learn how to care for and love ourselves. There are people ready to help you by your side. Please feel free to share your story anytime. Let's walk together; with you, a brighter tomorrow surely awaits. May you have a healthy and happy day today!

#SongdoPanicDisorder

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung Choe Chief Director

I have met many patients who came after visiting multiple medical institutions and departments for persistent or recurrent conditions. Symptoms normally handled by different specialties—such as abdominal pain, headaches, palpitations, dizziness, and insomnia—may overlap in one person. Sometimes there is no clear improvement despite taking medication for each symptom, and being unwell gradually becomes part of daily life. In these cases, I look beyond individual diagnoses and examine how the symptoms connect and change together. Asking only about the most uncomfortable symptom today does not reveal the full course. I look at when the body first began to change and what happened after illness, surgery, childbirth, or starting and stopping medication. I also review changes in weight, diet, and sleep, then trace which symptoms improved with previous treatment and which remained. Test results, diagnoses, and the course of previous treatment are important for understanding the current condition. Clinical research in modern Korean medicine, physiological and pathological research in modern medicine, and observations recorded in classical Korean medicine texts offer different perspectives on the same body. Rather than fitting a patient into one perspective, I consider what each can and cannot explain and look for clues that connect symptoms and treatment histories that were previously considered separately.

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