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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