Do you always feel worried or anxious? Do these feelings seem to
occur daily? If so, you might have panic disorder.
Don’t panic! You are not
alone.
According to Anxiety and Depression
Association of America, ADAA, more than 40 million Americans suffer from
anxiety disorder - around 18.1% of the population yearly - which makes it one
of the most common mental illnesses in America.
In fact, only 36.9 % people with panic disorder receive proper
treatment despite the fact that there are many treatments available for panic
disorder.
Fortunately, you can now alleviate the symptoms of panic disorder
without the use of traditional medications. The legalization of cannabis has
made it possible for people with serious illnesses to use cannabis. And if you
are open to the idea of using cannabis, you can now use it to treat your panic
attacks. However, you are required to obtain a medical marijuana card in Oakland
or any other city where cannabis is legal.
Types of panic disorder
There are basically six types of panic disorders:
Panic Attacks or Anxiety
Fear and worry are two major characteristics of panic disorder.
Even though there isn’t usually any real danger, people suffering from panic
attacks experience shaking, nausea, heavy breathing and other physical
reactions.
Phobias
Phobias are associated with fear for specific things, activities
or scenarios to an extreme degree. For instance some people have experience
fear from heights, insects, closed rooms and more.
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with excessive and
persistent worry about a variety of different things. It makes the sufferer
feel worried all the time unnecessarily.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety
disorders people are suffering from. It is also called social phobia. The
patient experiences unnatural panic attacks when meeting new people or even
walking out of the house.
Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD)
This panic disorder is associated with unwanted behaviors and
thoughts, which often take over an individual’s self-control. For instance,
people with OCD keeps worrying about whether they’ve turned off the lights
before leaving the house or not.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such near-death
experience, participation in war or anything else cause PTSD. Symptoms may
include sudden shivers, flashbacks of the event, depressed mood or more.
Panic attacks are often triggered by sudden, strong feelings of
fear. Here are the symptoms and signs of panic disorder.
- Sweating
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shaking or trembling
- Stomach pains or nausea
- Feeling detached or unreal
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Tingling or numbness in your body
- A choking feeling
- Hot flashes or chills
- A fear of going crazy or losing
control
- A fear of dying
- Feeling of being smothered or
shortness of breath
Panic attacks are often last for 10-15 minutes. However, severe
attacks are also last for hours. During a panic attack, some might feel they
are having a heart attack or a stroke. Some patients often reach emergency room
just because of a panic attack.
Medical Marijuana and Panic
Disorder
According to some studies conducted, it has been found that
cannabis can help combat stress. However, there are certain studies that also
state that cannabis may cause psychosis in people with depression and anxiety.
When consuming cannabis at higher doses, it might induce more
panic attacks and stress. However, if taken effectively and in lower
quantities, it can significantly reduce anxiety, stress and panic attacks.
Medical marijuana has an active compound called cannabinoid that
interacts with our body’s natural endocannabinoid system and trigger the
feeling of happiness and relaxation. The compound is most prevalent in indica
strains and thus, it is advised to consume an indica strain for better results.
Also Read: Cannabis and Prozac
Also Read: Cannabis and Prozac
However, if this is your first time using cannabis, consult with a
licensed and qualified medical marijuana doctor in Oakland to know which
strain is right for you and how much to consume.
Medical marijuana has been proven to treat an array of medical
conditions including chronic pain, arthritis, Cachexia, Glaucoma and more. And panic disorder is no different
provided you know how to consume it effectively.
