Social Consequences of PD
Sadly, there are many negative social consequences that often befall people who suffer from panic disorder. Panic attack sufferers quite often find themselves in the unenviable position of restructuring their entire social lives around this disorder.
Not knowing when the next panic attack will occur leads many sufferers to greatly limit social contact in many cases, and outright avoid all social contact in the most extreme cases. Considerations that most people never bother to take into account in social settings may be at the forefront of the anxiety sufferer’s awareness — things like sitting as close as possible to a restroom or exit so as to be able to escape the setting. These type of considerations figure in the mindset of such individuals.
The changes in personality that often accompany panic disorder are also play a role in how others perceive the panic disorder sufferer. They may be perceived as ’strange’, unsocial, nervous or distracted. This can lead to further social isolation sadly.
