Saturday, July 4, 2009

Understanding The Symptoms Of Anxiety And Panic Attacks

By Peter Sligh

Panic and anxiety disorders are chronic conditions that many people find crippling. They are real illnesses, much more overwhelming and unsettling than the normal anxiety we all experience from time to time. They can be treated and controlled.

It seems that the pressures of modern life, with its focus on speed and performance, are taking its toll. Anxiety panic disorders are becoming more and more common, both children and adults are affected. Today, more than 20 million Americans suffer from these disorders.

Anxiety is a part of a normal human experience and will always be there to some extent. Everyone has experienced it at one point or another. It's a normal reaction to stress that helps people to cope with tense situations. It's part of a flight or fight response. Problems occur when this response is too sensitive and persistent.

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some may experience extreme attacks that strike without warning, some have a disabling fear of driving, others get panicky when socializing or being in a crowded space, and others live in a constant state of tension and fear. All have one thing in common: severe fear or phobia in situations where most people would be fine.

There are many symptoms, some of the most common include: raging heartbeat, chest pain, fear of dying, shortness of breath, stomach ache, nausea, lightheadedness, shaking, cramping, fear of going crazy, tingling, numbness, hot flashes, derealisation (a sense of unreality), depersonalisation (feeling unreal, strange or changed), and feeling like you're going to pass out just to name a few.

What causes this disorders? They are caused by biological, psychological and environmental factors. Brain chemistry, personality, genetics and stressful environment all contribute to their development.

What's important to understand is that this debilitating conditions can be successfully treated. Regardless of what you have been led to believe, they can be cured or at least controlled and greatly improved.

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