Panic Disorder Current Research on Term Paper

(Book & Randall, 2002, p. 130) Both of these lines of research are ripe for additional investigation, as they seem to clearly complicate and possibly exacerbate the social affect of the disorder to a large degree and are secondary problems shared by many who experience the disorder.

Other related disorders also give more clear insight into panic disorder, as post traumatic stress disorder has increased in severity as well as incidence, given the prolonged state of national crisis, war and other issues involving over stimulation in the fast paced society we share. One review work, demonstrates the conflicts and controversy that surrounds PTSD, often a precursor to panic disorder as the disorder leaves the individual with a cognitive reaction to normal events in an exaggerated panicked, fashion and in many ways correlates to panic disorder. The article states that victims in the past have been treated ineffectually due to preconceived notions about the traumatic event, if they are conscious of the memory or event and if they experienced such trauma as a result of war, as the politics of war and the dynamic of the military have skewed opinions and therefore policy on treatment, as has advocates and opponents of recovered memory subjects. The argument has also surrounded the event of lasting biological/psychological effects of trauma, as some believe it occurs while others dismiss it as unlikely. (Mcnally, 2003, p. 229) Studies in PTSD in children have dismissed some of the claims by opponents, as there are clear indications in research of biological lasting effects of trauma, but still others argue that such effects are limited by age, as the formative brain development is not like that of adults. (Cook-Cottone, 2004, p. 127) Another study discusses the utilization of technology to study such potential biological change, during reliving/resolution processes as a way to help science better understand the chemistry of PTSD, a precursor to panic disorder, with known etiology. (Gibson, 2000, p. 354) on this note PTSD may be a separate and distinct disorder but its symptomalogy indicates that further study in this area could be a significant help in better understanding panic disorder in general.

The works, here collectively give the impression that panic disorder can be a life altering disorder that can progress rapidly, even in children, and is much more likely to occur in women than men, with the exception of those with PTSD, who are more likely to be men if they are returning from war and more likely to be women if PTSD is associated with sexual/physical or emotional abuse in childhood. The works also stress the need for more research, especially regarding the understanding of any potential biological effects that may be a result of chemical/hormonal changes that occur during panic. Additionally, panic disorder is occurring more frequently in children and causation and lasting effects need to be addressed in this subgroup as well. (Cook-Cottone, 2004, p. 127) Lastly, the review indicates that recent research on panic disorder indicates that alcohol abuse and sexual dysfunction seem to be positively correlated with panic disorder and must be understood better inside and outside the disorder to better treat the social affect of panic disorder. (Book & Randall, 2002, p. 130) (Figueira, Possidente, Marques & Hayes, 2001, p. 369)

References

Beamish, P.M., Granello, DH, & Belcastro, a.L. (2002). Treatment of Panic Disorder: Practical Guidelines. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 24(3), 224.

Bogels, S.M., & Zigterman, D. (2000). Dysfunctional Cognitions in Children with Social Phobia, Separation Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 28(2), 205.

Book, S.W., & Randall, C.L. (2002). Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Use. Alcohol Research & Health, 26(2), 130.

Cook-Cottone, C. (2004). Childhood Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and School Reintegration. School Psychology Review, 33(1), 127.

Figueira, I., Possidente, E., Marques, C., & Hayes, K. (2001). Sexual Dysfunction: A Neglected Complication of Panic Disorder and Social Phobia. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 30(4), 369.

Gibson, R. (2000). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Thalamic/cortical Pause. ETC.: A Review of General…