Anxiety/Panic Attacks and Disorders:

Panic/Anxiety Attack Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment


We all know what it's like to feel anxious or feel fear. Most of us experience anxiety when we're faced with stressful situations or traumatic events. Our heart pounds before a big presentation or a tough exam. We get butterflies in our stomach during a blind date. We worry and fret over family problems or feel jittery at the prospect of asking the boss for a raise. Anxiety is part of our natural "fight-or-flight" response. It's our body's way of warning us of possible danger ahead. However, if anxiety is overwhelming you with fear and worry, preventing you from living your life the way you'd like to, you may be suffering from an anxiety/panic disorder. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for anxiety attacks and disorders. Therapy, relaxation techniques, and a balanced, healthy lifestyle can help you reduce your anxiety and take back control of your life



What is a Anxiety/Panic Attack?

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There are many differnet forms of Anxiety. Many people experience free-floating anxiety and dont even know what is causing them to feel the way that they do. Others, also experience and suffer from sudden, very intense panic attacks that often strike without any warnings. Another form of anxiety may be displayed in the form of a extreme social inhibition or in unwanted obsessions and compulsions. Also, you may have a phobia of things that may not seem to bother other people such as a object or a situation.

                                
Anxiety/Panic attack disorders appear in many different forms, however all anxiety disorders
share one very important factor in common: A persistent and often overwhelming fear or worry. For many anxiety sufferers the frequency aswell as the intensity of such fears can render them immobile and can be very distressing and disruptive.

The main Characteristics of Anxiety/Panic Disorder include
  • Anxiety which is constant, unrelenting, and all-consuming
  • Anxiety which causes self-imposed isolation or emotional withdrawal
  • Anxiety which interferes with normal activities like going outside or interacting with other people


*Obessive Compulsive Disorder **Post Tramatic Stress Disorder ***Generalize Anxiety Disorder

Another huge affect of your anxiety disorder is the toll that it can take on your life aswell as the other problems that is can cause. The most common are
  • A low self-esteem
  • A higher risk for depression
  • A higher rate of alchoholism
Anxiety often also affects many peoples personal relationships and their work. The best part about all this is that anxiety/panic disorders are highly treatable.  With the educated help of a doctor of qualified mental health professional, relief from your anxiety is obtainable and it will lead to the life that you want and should be living


Anxiety attacks and panic attacks
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Anxiety attacks are often also referred to as panic attacks. What are these? They are episodes that are unexpected often causing extreme terror and or fear. Many times Anxiety attacks will come on without any warning. Many people experience fear, which is irrational, however, the perceived danger is very real. Often, people experiencing a anxiety attack will feel as if they are about to die or pass out

Panic attack symptoms Include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations or pounding heart
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or stomach distress
  • Fear of losing control or going crazy
  • Hot or cold flashes





          For more information about anxiety attacks (including a complete list of symptoms), see EasyStopAnxiety Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Symptoms & Causes

           Aswell As: Solutions

Signs and symptoms of a Anxiety Attack
Signs and symptoms of a Panic Attack
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Primary Symptoms of a anxiety disorder include fear and worry. However, anxiety disorders are also characterized by many other emotional aswell as physical symptoms.


Emotional/psychological Panic attack symptoms
  • Apprehension, uneasiness, and dread                                
  • Nervousness and jumpiness
  • Impaired concentration or selective attention                    
  • Self-consciousness and insecurity
  • Feeling restless or on edge                                                 
  • Fear that you are dying or going crazy
  • Avoidance                                                                          
  • Strong desire to escape
  • Hypervigilance                                                                  
  • Behavioral problems (especially in children and adolescents)
  • Irritability
  • Confusion

   
Panic Attack Physical Symptoms
The following is a list of known Panic attack symptoms. If you are asking yourself "What are the symptoms of a panic attack" This list of Panic attack symptoms will answer the known signs and symptoms of a panic attack.
  • Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Hot flashes or chills
  • Cold and clammy hands
  • Stomach upset or queasiness
  • Frequent urination or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath   
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Tremors, twitches, and jitters
  • Muscle tension or aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia

Causes and risk factors for anxiety/panic attacks
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How do anxiety disorders develop? Actually there are a number of complicated factors that contribute to them. The most common is your environment, personality, dynamics of your family, brain chemistry, aswell as genetics. These factors play the biggest role in the development of anxiety disorders, however, major stesses in your personal life such as financial problems, mental problems, or bereavement often also contribute the development of a anxiety disorder. Please understand that no one single factor is the sole cause of a anxiety disorder. The multiple risk factors associated with anxiety are interrelated and many times can interact with and impact one another




According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America(ADAA) people with anxiety disorders often make trips to their doctor 3-5 more times than non-sufferers. Due to the many physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, anxiety sufferes also often believe that they are suffering from a medical illness. With this in mind it is very important to be aware of unexpected, physiological forms anxiety can take.


Types of anxiety disorders
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There are several major types of anxiety disorders, each with its own distinct profile and set of symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)  If constant worries and fears distract you from your day-to-day activities or youre troubled by a persistent feeling that something bad is going to happen, you may be suffering from GAD. People with GAD feel anxious nearly all of the time, though they may not even know why. Anxiety related to GAD often manifests itself in physical symptoms like headaches, stomach upset, and fatigue.


Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. You may be troubled by obsessions, such as a recurring worry that you forgot to turn off the oven or that you might hurt someone. You may also suffer from uncontrollable compulsions, such as washing your hands over and over.

Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Panic disorder is characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks. These panic attacks strike without warning and usually last a terrifying 15 to 30 minutes. Panic disorder may also be accompanied by agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in places where escape or help would be difficult in the event of a panic attack. If you have agoraphobia, you are likely to avoid public places such as shopping malls or confined spaces such as an airplane.

Phobias  A phobia is an unrealistic or exaggerated fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that in reality presents little to no danger. Common phobias include fear of animals such as snakes and spiders, fear of flying, and fear of heights. In the case of a severe phobia, you might go to extreme lengths to avoid the thing you fear.

Separation Anxiety  Separation anxiety is a normal part of child development. It consists of crying and distress when a child is separated from a parent or away from home. If separation anxiety persists beyond a certain age or interferes with daily activities, it may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety / Social Phobia  If you have a debilitating fear of being seen negatively by others and humiliated in public, you may have social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. Social anxiety disorder can be thought of as extreme shyness. In severe cases, social situations are avoided altogether. Performance anxiety (better known as stage fright) is the most common type of social phobia.

Interrelated Anxiety Disorder Risk Factors


Environmental factors

A persons environment can play a huge role in the development of anxiety disorders. Difficulties such as poverty, early separation from the mother, family conflict, critical and strict parents, parents who are fearful and anxious themselves, and the lack of a strong support system can all lead to chronic anxiety


Personality traits

Personality differences can affect whether or not an anxiety disorder develops. People with anxiety disorders often view themselves as powerless and the world as a threatening place. This pessimistic perspective can lead to low self-confidence and poor coping skills.


Brain chemistry

Some studies suggest that an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA, and epinephrine may contribute to anxiety disorders. Abnormalities in the stress hormone cortisol have also been found. Many medications prescribed for anxiety disorders aim to readjust the brains chemical balance.


Heredity

Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. People with anxiety disorders often have a family history of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or substance abuse. Although this is often due to the home environment, researchers also believe that there are genetic factors which represent an inherited risk for anxiety disorders. One risk factor may be a biological vulnerability to stress.


Trauma

An anxiety disorder may develop in response to a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a marital separation. Anxiety may also have its roots in early life abuse or developmental trauma. Trauma in infancy and early childhood can be particularly damaging, leaving a pervasive and lasting sense of helplessness that can develop into anxiety or depression in later life.



Diagnosing anxiety disorders
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If youve experienced intense anxiety or worry for six months or more, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Worry that interferes with your work, relationships, and activities is also a red flag that youve crossed from normal worrying into the territory of anxiety disorders. If your anxiety and fears have become so great that they are causing extreme distress or disrupting your daily routine, it is important to seek out help.

First, you should consult with a doctor to rule out possible medical conditions. Some medications or diseases create anxiety-like symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, and nervousness. A change in medication or the correct diagnosis of a medical illness may take care of your anxiety problem. Your doctor will give you a physical examination and may also run some laboratory tests.

Medical Conditions Which Can Mimic or Cause Anxiety
  • Thyroid Disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Asthma
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Adrenal Disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Certain heart conditions
  • Migraines
  • Other psychiatric illnesses

Medical Conditions Which Can Mimic or Cause Anxiety

  • Caffeine and other stimulants
  • Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines
  • Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants
  • Steroids such as cortisone and prednisone
  • Weight loss products
  • Hormones (birth control pills, thyroid medications
  • Inhalers and other respiratory medications
  • Herbal remedies such as Ma huang and ephedra
  • High blood pressure medication
  • Withdrawal from alcohol
  • ADHD medications (Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine)
  • Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)

Treatment and help for anxiety
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Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment, so if youre suffering from one, dont hesitate to seek help. This is unfortunate because Treatment can offer immense relief, often in a relatively short amount of time. Most anxiety disorders are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two.

Natural and Herbal Treatments

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Herbal remedies such as valerian root and kava kava have been used to treat anxiety for many years. However, the effectiveness and safety of these products has not been well-documented. Keep in mind that some herbal remedies can make anxiety worse.

Keep in mind that some herbal remedies can make anxiety worse. Supplements may also interact with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking, so its important to check with your doctor first.


Other Anxiety Disorder Treatments


  •     Relaxation techniques  Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and guided imagery may reduce anxiety.
  •     Biofeedback  Using sensors that measure physiological arousal brought on by anxiety (such as changes in heart rate and muscle tension), biofeedbackteaches you to recognize and control these body processes.
  •     Hypnotherapy  Hypnosis for anxiety is conducted by a clinical hypnotherapist who works with you using different therapeutic techniques while youre in a state of deep relaxation.
  •     Acupuncture  Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture may help reduce anxiety.

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