Panic
Anxiety Disorder:
Intense Feelings of Fear and Nervousness
We all feel anxiety
at times. Think for a moment about how nervous you are before speaking
to a large group of people, or the panic you feel during your first
day on the job. Lots of questions will run through your mind such
as, “Will I do okay? Will I embarrass myself?” Your
palms sweat and your heart beats faster than normal. These are all
normal responses linked to your natural survival instincts. Sometimes,
however, people feel anxiety and panic in a way that stops them
from leading a normal life. When this occurs, it may signify a mental
and behavioral disorder called panic anxiety disorder.
You have probably
already heard about the many different types of anxiety disorders
in addition to panic anxiety disorder. Other examples of anxiety
disorders are agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post
traumatic stress disorder. All anxiety disorders are marked by overwhelming
feelings of worry and fear that cripple a person’s ability
to function. In panic anxiety disorder, these anxious feelings are
mainly expressed through panic attacks.
During a panic
anxiety disorder attack, a person will be overwhelmed with terror
and dread—suddenly, repeatedly, and without warning. The symptoms
of a panic anxiety disorder attack are as follows:
- Fast, racing, pounding heartbeat
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing and feelings
of choking
- Numbness or tingling in hands
and feet
- Sense of impending terror
or doom
- Fear of imminent heart attack,
loss of control, or death
- Sweating, hot flashes, or
chills
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or shaky
- Stomachache and nausea
A panic anxiety
disorder attack can occur when you least expect it; the attack may
even awaken you from sleep. This shows a main factor of panic anxiety
disorder in that panic attacks are totally unrelated to a truly
dangerous situation or may be an overreaction of a stressful situation.
Like many mental
disorders, panic anxiety disorder is not completely understood by
medical experts. Research shows that panic anxiety disorder can
be caused by a number of factors such as family history, drug or
alcohol use, and brain abnormalities. Another trigger of panic anxiety
disorder can be major life events such as the death of a loved one,
losing a job, or divorce. Without treatment, it is possible for
panic anxiety disorder to be accompanied by depression, suicidal
thoughts, and substance abuse. While panic anxiety disorder affects
an estimated 2 to 6 million adults in the United States, there are
many treatments available including counseling and other natural
therapies.
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