RLR
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The pattern being described is quite common in the evolution of panic threshold events, or panic attacks. The reason that they often subside is the subsequent experience that nothing dreadful or climactic actually occurs. In other words, once you've experienced the self-limiting features of the events, they no longer possess the same level of import and thus, begin to wane in their ability to incapacitate.
While PTSD can in some instances be responsible, I will quickly tell you here that the misapplication of this clinical disorder to broadening circumstances has produced far-reaching implications which are overdrawn to the greatest extent. PTSD actually constitutes a very discrete disorder and in its true form, produces psychopathology in a very specific manner. Much like the phenomenon and fad of OCD variations, ie relationship OCD, work OCD etc, none of these variations on the true form of the disorder actually exist. OCD, like PTSD, is a very discrete clinical disorder and its features are limited to patients who demonstrate them. I simply tell you this to be mindful that labels can produce the underlying clinical criterion based entirely upon perceptual compliance. Simply put, your past is defined in such a manner that it qualifies the diagnosis.
Understand that anxiety has the ability to produce both physical and physiological disturbances because it influences the central nervous system, which is the communication superhighway throughout the entire body. Any departure from normal results in variations of change which are universally misinterpreted as constitutional symptoms of disease. It is both innate and through social training that humans forge the direct relationship between physical symptoms and physical disease, when in fact no such direct relationship is universal at all. It is entirely common for physical and physiological manifestations to arise in the entire absence of an underlying organic cause.
The fear that you might die actually produces a very specific response set by the brain which is genetically hardwired. The brain is designed to provide the body with the absolute best opportunity for survival and this instinct is quite dominant in instances where there is fear which would compromise such safety. It is the instinctual response by the brain in such instances which seemingly compels patients to return time and again to their doctor in search of the underlying disease or disorder which is placing their life in jeopardy in order to define and overcome it such that safety once again becomes the normal status.
It's quite easy to see how a cyclic response set can arise in such instances which in many instances can come to rule the lifestyle of persons afflicted to the extent that they seek safety in all that they do and avoid any type of circumstance that would either increase the potential for the symptoms to arise or otherwise place them too far from safety in the event crisis occurs. It's very critical to understand that this entire premise is not based in reality, but rather merely perception based upon the interpretation of the present "symptoms."
You're going to be fine and your life is not in danger in any manner whatsoever.
Best regards,
Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)
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