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.