people feel worried or scared when faced with a dangerous or stressful
situation, but some people feel an excessive sense of worry or fear on a
daily basis. People who suffer from anxiety disorders often feel
fearful and anxious about the world around them, and may experience
extreme effects of anxiety that turn into an anxiety attack of panic
disorder from everyday situations.
the root cause of an anxiety problem can take time, but there are
several common characteristics and symptoms that indicate that an
anxiety disorder is present, and may need to be addressed. Identifying
anxiety disorder symptoms and effects is the first step to getting
better and finding a suitable treatment plan. Here are some of the key
signs that you or someone you know is suffering from an anxiety
- Constantly plagued by irrational fears.
Everyone experiences fear in a dangerous or potentially risky
situation, but people with anxiety disorders tend to be plagued by
irrational fears that consist of excessive worry or anxiousness over a
situation that cannot be classified as harmful or dangerous.
- Sensing danger in a safe environment. People
with anxiety disorders often feel a constant sense of fear or danger in
their surroundings, even if they have been in a certain place countless
times, or the environment has been deemed safe by others. Anxiety
disorder sufferers often have a heightened sense of awareness that can
contribute to this problem.
- Avoidance of certain social activities or situations. Those
who suffer from anxiety disorders often feel uncomfortable in social
situations where they may be judged or ridiculed, and will avoid certain
activities or social situations altogether. This can make it very
difficult for them to have a healthy social life and sustain meaningful
- Belief that something bad will happen if a ritual or routine is broken. Many
people with anxiety disorders are superstitious, or develop behaviours
that lead to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). According to Help Guide,
people with anxiety disorder often hold a "belief that something bad
will happen if certain things aren't done a certain way...[they] may
also suffer from compulsions such as washing hands over and over."
- Feelings of loss of control that trigger an anxiety attack. Many
people who suffer from panic attacks and anxiety attacks have an
intense fear of losing control of the situation. This can trigger a
condition known as agoraphobia, where the person is afraid that they
will have an anxiety attack in a public setting, and may be judged or
ridiculed as a result. This cycle can continue to perpetuate itself,
leaving the sufferer home bound or socially withdrawn over time.
- Sudden, unexpected feelings of panic and overwhelm. Some
of the characteristics of a panic attack are short frequent episodes of
overwhelm, intense fear and an elevated heart rate. Many people
suffering from anxiety disorders experience panic or anxiety attacks on a
regular basis, and these can also interfere with daily life.
the effects and characteristics of anxiety disorders can help to
determine the most appropriate treatment plan, and even identify a root
cause. There are several medical and non-medical treatments available
for anxiety disorders and symptoms, so there are ways to overcome
anxiety-related problems that may be affecting emotional health and
Ways to Recognize Unhealthy Panic Disorders
disorder is one of several anxiety disorders that involve an intense,
abrupt and oftentimes debilitating period of discomfort and fear. Panic
disorders affect millions of men and women of all ages, and can be
triggered by several situations or circumstances, real or imagined.
Klerman of the World Psychiatric Association and author of the book,
"Panic Anxiety and Its Treatments" points out that there are several
DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria that must be fulfilled in order to
classify someone as having a panic disorder.
one or more of the panic attacks must have occurred when the person was
exposed to a situation that doesn't typically cause anxiety. This
could be anything from going to the grocery store, watching a movie
they've already seen, or washing the dishes. The panic attack must also
not be triggered by a situation where the person was the center of
attention, such as a public speaking event, a birthday party, or other
situation where they were the focus of a crowd.
four attacks must have occurred within a four-week period, or the
person must have experienced persistent fear after having an attack.
Symptoms of fear after a panic attack may include difficulty sleeping,
extreme paranoia and restlessness.
during a panic attack the person must also have experienced at least
four of the following symptoms: trembling or shaking; sweating;
shortness of breath; dizziness; depersonalization; numbness or tingling;
hot flashes; fear of dying; chest pain or discomfort; accelerated heart
rate; nausea; choking; and fear of going crazy.
the person must have experienced at least four of the symptoms in
increased intensity within 10 minutes of the beginning of the first
symptom they noticed they were having during the panic attack. In many
cases, this means the person was feeling very out of control,
unbalanced, and even confused.
possibility that the attack was triggered by caffeine, amphetamines or
hyperthyroidism must be ruled out. Many people experience the symptoms
of panic disorder because they have become dependent on over-the-counter
stimulants, or have an unaddressed medical condition. If the person is
taking supplements or stimulants, they may not fulfill the criteria for
panic disorder by a psychiatrist.
disorder is just one of several anxiety disorders that affect millions
of people every year. Panic disorder can become a problem in someone's
life if it interferes with social relationships, or limits the person's
ability to work or live a fulfilling life. If you or someone you know
is suffering from panic disorder, there are several treatment options
available. Nobody has to suffer from the effects of extreme anxiety and
panic attacks for the rest of their lives.
Identifying Agoraphobia Symptoms
disorder treatments may require medical intervention only in extreme
cases; most people can make changes to their lifestyle, ensure they are
eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep, and learning
healthy ways to cope with stress. Some people may also benefit from
taking natural supplements that reduce anxiety and help to alleviate
some of the symptoms of a panic attack.Common Anxiety Treatment Options
disorder symptoms is just the first step towards overcoming the problem.
The next step is to find a suitable anxiety treatment plan, and this
may consist of medication, behavioural therapy, dietary changes, and
nutritional supplementation. According to Medicine Net
"if no physical illness is found, [the sufferer] may be referred to a
psychiatrist or psychologist who is specially trained to diagnose and
treat mental illnesses. Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder most
often include a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioural
Here are some of the most common anxiety treatment
options available for people suffering from generalized anxiety
disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and
other anxiety problems:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders. Recognizing
the triggers of a panic attack, or identifying the root cause of an
anxiety attack can be part of cognitive behavioural therapy treatment
programs. This type of treatment allows the sufferer to work with a
licensed professional to identify the troublesome thoughts, behaviours
and patterns to see where they may be behaving in an irrational or
- Anxiety medication. Several
types of prescription drugs have proven to be effective for treating
anxiety disorders, and the type and dosage varies by person and
condition. The most common types of medication prescribed to those with
anxiety disorder are a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These
drugs have a tranquilizing effect on the body, and include drugs such as
Valium, Librium, Xanax and BuSpar.
- Antidepressants. Many
people suffering from anxiety disorders also experience symptoms of
depression. In some cases, treating the depression can alleviate many
of the effects fo the anxiety disorder. Antidepressants such as Effexor
and Paxil can help improve the mood, reduce tension and make the person
feel more balanced.
- Lifestyle changes. Reducing
stress naturally through regular exercise, meditation or stretching can
help to improve the effects of an anxiety disorder and reduce many
symptoms. People who experience chronic stress and tension can limit
these feelings naturally by undertaking a
vigorous cardiovascular exercise regimen, doing yoga or Pilates, or
meditation regularly. Increasing oxygen and blood circulation can help
the person feel more relaxed and centered.
- Nutritional supplements. For
people who have difficulty sleeping or calming down, nutritional
supplements such as Valerian extract, chamomile and lavender can help to
reduce tension and induce sleep naturally. These supplements may be
most effective for people with mild symptoms and brief episodes of
- Dietary changes. Eating
certain types of food can increase or reduce the risk of anxiety
attacks or tension. Eating too many sugary foods can increase the heart
rate and make it difficult to concentrate, thereby aggravating some of
the symptoms of anxiety. Calming foods such as milk, oats, lentils
and yogurt can help keep energy levels stable and reduce the risk of an
anxiety attack. Making minor dietary changes on a regular basis often
accompanies anxiety treatment programs.
panic disorders affect over 4 million adult Americans each year, and
most people experience a combination of physical and emotional symptoms.
In some people, the physical symptoms can be so severe that they lead
to constant panic attacks and other problems. Physical symptoms can
occur suddenly, or be a part of the person's lifestyle if the anxiety
disorder has been prevalent for an extended period of time.
all anxiety disorders are associated with a specific set of physical
symptoms, so identifying these symptoms and experiences is necessary
when considering treatment. In many cases, the mental health
professional will ask the sufferer to keep track of when they experience
these symptoms, and how sever they are. This can help to identify
exactly what my be causing the negative experiences, and help the doctor
create an effective treatment plan.
According to Web MD
many people experience depression and other problems that can cause
additional physical symptoms. Some of the most common physical symptoms
associated with anxiety disorders include:
- Stomach upset or nausea. Many
people who have an anxiety disorder feel nauseous after a meal, or at
various intervals throughout the day. This gastrointestinal disturbance
is often associated with the central nervous system being out of
- Headaches or migraines. Constant
tension and worry can take its toll physically in the form of headaches
or migraines. People suffering from anxiety disorders often experience
frequent headaches or intense migraines that can be crippling.
- Shortness of breath. The
fear response that is triggered during a panic or anxiety attack often
causes a shortness of breath because the body is pushed into "fight or
flight" mode. This can cause chest pains and heart problems, and can
also make it difficult to focus or concentrate.
- Insomnia. Many
people suffering from anxiety disorders cannot get to sleep easily, or
find it difficult to rest. Insomnia is a common side effect of many
anxiety disorders, and may be corrected with lifestyle changes, herbal
supplements or medication.
- Diarrhea or constipation. Anxiety
disorders can cause several problems in the digestive system, and may
trigger periods of diarrhea or constipation. People who suffer from
extreme levels of anxiety often need to modify their diets to ensure
they are eating the right types of foods. This can mean eating a steady
diet of easily-digestible, well-balanced meals.
- Excessive sweating. Heart
palpitations and an elevated heart rate are linked to increased central
nervous system activity, and this often triggers excessive sweating.
People with anxiety disorders often experience bouts of excessive
sweating, even when they are not facing any type of fearful situation or
- Muscle tension or twitches. Some
people who suffer from anxiety disorders experience muscle tension,
twitches or tremors because of an imbalance in the central nervous
system. Muscle twitches themselves can cause anxiety when they occur in
public, and can make the sufferer feel even more out of control.
are several physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, and
recognizing them is the first step towards finding an effective
treatment. Most people can overcome their anxiety problems with a
combination of therapy, natural treatments, lifestyle changes and/or
medication.How To Tell If You Have Anxiety Attack Symptoms
Anxiety attacks and panic disorders affect an estimated 2.4 million Americans according to Web MD
and women are more likely to experience them than men. An anxiety
attack can be described as an elevated sense of unease and a sudden
acute episode of feeling overwhelmed and panicky. Anxiety attacks can
occur on a regular basis, or randomly in people of all ages. Here are
some ways to recognize anxiety symptoms:
- Difficulty speaking and concentrating. The
person experiencing an anxiety attack or extreme anxiety typically has
difficulty getting focused and speaking properly. They may stumble upon
their words, stutter, and feel like they can't get their thoughts under
- Chest pains or tightness. Someone
who has a tendency of having anxiety attacks usually stops breathing
properly. This can cause sever chest pains or tightness, difficulty
swallowing, and limited oxygen intake.
- Excessive energy. People
who are "always on the go" may not realize they are experiencing
anxiety symptoms. They may feel like they can't relax or will
experience long periods of restlessness or agitation. This is a common
anxiety symptom that many people overlook.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Most
people who are about to have a full-blown anxiety attack will start to
breathe in a shallow manner limiting their oxygen intake. This can cause
numbness in the hands and feet, especially if they are sitting in a
- Heart palpitations or a racing heart. People
who are about to have an anxiety attack often feel like their "heart is
about to beat out of their chest." Increased heart rate and elevated
blood pressure are common anxiety symptoms.
- Extreme cravings for sugar and sweets. For
those who experience anxiety symptoms on a regular basis, eating
high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods serves the purpose of calming them
down. This can become a problem if too much food is eaten at one
sitting, and can end up making the person feel worse. Food can only
numb anxiety symptoms temporarily; as soon as the "high" wears off, the
anxiety attack or anxiety problems will return, and may get worse.
- Extreme fatigue. Constant
stress on the mind and body from an anxiety attack or anxiety problems
can leave the person feeling worn out and extremely fatigued. Anxiety
triggers several chemical reactions in the body that directly affect the
central nervous system. This can leave the person feeling drained of
energy, and unable to get enough rest to recover.
symptoms vary from person to person, and may be more pronounced in some
people than in others. The intensity and effects of an anxiety attack
can occur based on the person's chemical makeup, frequency of other
attacks, and other factors.
symptoms as they happen can help to understand what is triggering an
anxiety attack or general feelings of anxiety, and what needs to be done
to correct the problem.
Even though anxiety can cause many physical, emotional and social problems, most anxiety problems can be corrected with lifestyle changes, dietary supplements or medical intervention.The Telltale Signs Of Anxiety Disorders
generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder
are just some of the different types of anxiety disorders that affect
millions of adult Americans every year. Anxiety problems are more common
in women than in men, and are identified by extreme feelings of panic,
worry, or a preoccupation with negative events that could occur in the
According to Web MD
an anxiety disorder "is a serious mental illness. For people with
anxiety disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can
be crippling." Recognizing the different types of anxiety disorder can
help the person cope better with the effect and the situation that may
be causing the problem. Here's a close look at the different types of
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
This disorder is associated with obsessive rituals and behaviours that
help the person reduce feelings of fear or anxiety when they're
performed. The person typically designs their own routine to help
reduce a certain type of fear. For example, someone who fears germs and
disease may constantly wash their hands. Someone who fears that things
will be out of control may constantly arrange and rearrange furniture or
objects in the home.
- Social anxiety disorder.
This anxiety disorder is also known as a social phobia, and involves
extreme self-consciousness or worry about what other people are thinking
about the person. The person suffering from this type of anxiety
disorder usually fears being judged, ridiculed or shamed by others, so
they avoid social situations altogether.
- Generalized anxiety disorder. This
type of anxiety disorder is the most common among adult men and women
in the United States and consists of constant worry, angst or tension
about situations that may not be in proportion with the actual
circumstance or event. This can turn into a problem when it interferes
with relationships, work or the person's emotional health.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This
anxiety disorder typically occurs after someone has survived a
particularly terrifying or traumatic event. The person may have
nightmares or recurrent memories about the event, and can have
difficulty functioning in everyday life. In some cases, mildly
stressful situations can trigger extreme anxiety, fear or anger, because
the person is reliving the traumatic experience and reacting to it in
the present time.
- Agoraphobia and other phobias. Agoraphobia is
an intense fear of having a panic attack in a public situation that
could cause severe embarrassment. Other phobias related to anxiety
disorders are often experienced by those who have been diagnosed with
panic disorder and other disorders, and are rooted in feelings of being
ashamed or judged about their problem. The "anxiety about anxiety" is a
hallmark trait of these types of phobias. Another common anxiety
problem that falls in this category is the fear of driving.
panic and anxiety disorders are just some of the major problems
experienced by those who have difficulty coping with stress, have a
history of traumatic experiences, or have a family history of anxiety
problems. Identifying the type of anxiety problem is the first step
towards treatment, and there are several effective treatments available.Understanding Panic Attack Treatments
Panic disorder and
anxiety problems affect millions of people every year. Researchers say
that more women than men are diagnosed with or experience symptoms of
panic disorder and anxiety problems, and that in most cases, the cause
According to the National Institute of Health,
approximately 10% of people who experience a panic attack become
housebound and refuse to leave their home alone. Almost 30% of people
suffering from panic disorder lose their job, get demoted, or settle for
a job that they are overqualified for because they cannot handle their
regular job responsibilities. Many people suffering from panic
disorders and anxiety problems have great difficulty maintaining healthy
social relationships and living a productive life.
These are all
startling statistics, and it's clear that panic disorders and anxiety
problems can cause several problems in a person's life. Still, there
are some treatment options available. Anxiety disorder treatments range
from nutritional supplements, exercise, dietary changes, therapy and
prescription medication. More severe cases may require medical
intervention, but many people can improve anxiety symptoms and
experience fewer panic attacks simply by making some lifestyle changes
and identifying the causes or events that trigger the anxiety.
are two main types of treatment for anxiety. The first addresses only
anxiety symptoms. Most people who experience elevated feelings of
anxiety are familiar with symptoms such as tightness in the chest,
sweating, heart palpitations, extreme nervousness, difficulty
concentrating and difficulty breathing. There are several natural ways
to reduce these symptoms and help restore the person's feeling of
control and balance.
The second type of treatment focuses on
addressing the cause of the anxiety or panic attack. In some cases,
anxiety is the result of a particular situation or event that is
occurring in the present moment. In other cases, the person is thinking
about the possibility of a negative event or situation, and is starting
to feel anxious about what could happen. Whatever the case may be,
tracing the root cause can determine if the person is feeling anxiety
because of a reasonable cause, or if they just need to re frame their
thinking to get a better handle on the situation.
Both of these
treatments provide options for those who are suffering from anxiety,
panic disorder and anxiety attacks on a regular basis. These conditions
can be very debilitating, and interfere with day-to-day life. In some
cases, anxiety may be coupled with depression, insomnia or other mental
Anxiety symptoms are more pronounced in some
people than in others, and can trigger a panic or anxiety attack at any
time. Identifying the symptoms as they happen and tracking them back to
a cause can help the sufferer have more control over their condition
and take steps to alleviate the problem. Some people may need medical
intervention or therapy if the anxiety or panic attacks are so frequent
that they limit the person's ability to work, socialize and rest or
Overcoming anxiety is possible, but it can take
time to see an improvement. However, there are several different
strategies and treatment options available for those who suffer from
anxiety attacks, panic disorder, and related problems.
For the millions of
people suffering from anxiety attacks and panic disorders every year,
handling stressful situations or maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be
a challenge. Many people who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder
may also experience agoraphobia, an intense fear of having an anxiety
attack in public. For many people an anxiety attack may lead to being
judged or ridiculed, so the person may try and avoid social situations
solely because of this fear.
According to Medical News Today
"the anxiety associated with agoraphobia is so severe that panic
attacks are not unusual, and individuals with agoraphobia typically try
to avoid the location or cause of the fear." There are several ways to
recognize the signs and symptoms of agoraphobia. Most people develop
this phobia after experiencing several panic attacks in public, and
experiencing the intense feelings of 'being out of control.'
with agoraphobia is often afraid of being in a situation where they are
too far away from home, or being home alone. Some may feel fearful
when they are in a large crowd such as at a concert, sports game, theme
park or even a shopping centre. Some people experience extreme anxiety
when they are traveling in a car, bus or plane. Others may experience
extreme anxiety by being in an elevator, underground train, or other
constricted space where they have limited options to 'escape.'
of the most distinguishing features of agoraphobia is that the person
will experience extreme anxiety in any situation where it can be
difficult to escape, or it may be embarrassing to leave. This means that
the person will avoid situations where they must follow a crowd, or do
something where they cannot walk away if they start to feel
Some of the key signs and symptoms of agoraphobia
are: intense, often irrational fear about being in a public place;
avoidance of a particular place or situation; canceling of trips or
meetings out of fear of an attack; and social withdrawal. Ultimately,
agoraphobia can take its toll on the person's emotional well-being and
social life, making it very difficult for them to connect with other
people in a natural, stress-free way.
Many people suffering from
agoraphobia try and manage their feelings by developing another anxiety
disorder or problem. Some try and numb their feelings by overeating,
drinking alcohol, or consuming caffeine or nicotine. Others may turn to
obsessive-compulsive disorder for relief; in this situation, the person
becomes preoccupied with rituals and order in order to alleviate their
symptoms and feel some level of relief.
Agoraphobia is not a
diagnosed panic disorder, but it is one of several anxiety problems that
plagues millions of people every year. If it is left un-addressed for
an extensive period of time, the person may start to withdraw from
society, be unable to perform at their job, and have difficulty forming
close relationships. All of these symptoms can be treated with medical
intervention, therapy and even natural supplements. A combination of
lifestyle changes and changes in behaviour can help many people overcome
the effects of agoraphobia so that they can enjoy life again.