Panic and anxiety disorders affect over forty million people. The most common of these include, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Post traumatic Stress Disorder. Quality of life can deteriorate dramatically with such disorders.
People who suffer from these disorders may suffer from panic and anxiety attacks frequently which can disrupt normal day life. Panic attacks which are associated with panic disorder can be especially devastating for the sufferer.
Symptoms are many and varied depending on the sufferer. Commonly, symptoms include, tension, fear, apprehension, palpitations and uncontrollable obsessive thoughts. Two highly disturbing symptoms are derealization and depersonalization.
For a non-sufferer these symptoms can be hard to comprehend but for the sufferer it can be all too terrifying. Surroundings may appear strange and distorted. Odd perceptual distortions or dreamlike sensations may be experienced.
Astonishingly, panic attacks can occur even during sleep. Panic attacks are different to anxiety attacks in that they can happen at any time. Sufferers fear that a spontaneous attack can happen during everyday tasks. Day to day chores such as going out to the supermarket can seem impossible for a sufferer.
A place or situation that is associated with a past negative event may be avoided. For instance, a sufferer previously has a panic attack whilst in a convenience store. The thought and anticipation of going back may trigger panic and anxiety symptoms.
Going back to the same store is likely to trigger a panic attack. Knowing that an attack can occur at anytime without warning makes life a living hell.
Although anxiety and panic attacks are often considered the same, there are differences. Generally anxiety symptoms are caused by day to day stresses. Sufferers may experience a stress response which in turn increases feelings of anxiety.
Fortunately, panic and anxiety disorders can be treated. Although medication is available, it is not always necessary because there are natural therapies that work. Behavioral therapy for example, has been used successfully by many sufferers.
For more information on and how you can relieve them, visit the panic symptoms site.
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