Panic 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. 

Gerald 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.

First, 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.

Secondly, 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.

Third, 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.

Fourth, 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.

Finally, the 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.

Panic 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.

Panic 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

Recognizing anxiety 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 therapy."

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:

1. 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 inappropriate way.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 chronic anxiety.
6. 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. 

Anxiety and 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.

Almost 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:

1. 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 balance.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 problem.
7. 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.

There 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:

1. 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 control.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 constricted position.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Anxiety 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.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

Panic disorder, 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 person's life.

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 anxiety disorders:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

These 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 is unknown.

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.

There 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 health conditions.

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 sleep properly.

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.