Beating Anxiety Panic Symptoms

December 3rd, 2009 Posted in Anxiety and Depression

Severe Panic Symptoms are associated with a number of anxiety disorders such as social phobia and agoraphobia. Social anxiety is a condition where a person has extreme fears of social situations such as introducing themselves to a new class and even making a call to a stranger. Their fear of embarrassing themselves is so strong that they will try and avoid these situations at all costs.

In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Professionals have come to the conclusion that social anxiety is a learned habit which can affect anyone. Children who are very timid and shy are at a higher risk as are children who are abused or bullied. Even as adults we can develop this condition through negative associations and experiences.

Agoraphobia like social phobia, affects more women than it does men. Those with this disorder have extreme fears of having a panic attack in public. Some typical triggers for panic attacks are places with lots of people and nowhere to escape. Meetings, standing in a queue or elevator are common situations that spark fear.

Misdiagnosis can sometimes occur since this disorder shares some similarities with social anxiety. It was once considered that panic attacks were only related to panic disorder; another anxiety disorder. This is now not the case since studies have shown that many agoraphobes do not have panic disorder.

There is also a slight difference with panic attacks in those with panic disorder, in that they’re unpredictable. Unlike agoraphobia Panic symptoms trigger when the sufferer experiences a fear associated with their condition such as going to the supermarket. When an attack occurs a sufferer might experience a number of symptoms including a tightness in the chest and throat, shaking and palpitations.

These symptoms might escalate and the sufferer might experience extreme fear, embarrassment and sensations such as derealization. In extreme cases people with agoraphobia stay at home for months at a time without stepping out. This makes life very difficult to cope with.

Day to day life is limited and it’s no surprise how depressing and lonely it can be. Relationships are extremely hard to make and there can seem like no hope for a career or family in the future. Depression is highly common in those with agoraphobia. A high proportion of male sufferers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with panic symptoms.

Although some anxiety disorders have only recently been discovered there is Anxiety Help available. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is being increasingly used over medicine. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. Practicing breathing techniques and self help techniques like EFT can accelerate recovery.

For some sufferers, they just can’t overcome their fear to go out and see a doctor. This dilemma means that potentially thousands or millions are not treated. Needless to say however, it’s vital to get expert help. It would be a good idea to have someone to support you on your visit.

Treatment often involves gradual controlled confrontation of your fears. This can promote positive behavioral changes when done correctly. Support groups are also available and can be a helpful addition to therapy. Getting support and supporting other sufferers can make one feel less alone. Online forums for anxiety disorders are another source of help and support.