Understanding Panic and Anxiety Disorders
This is a brief overview so don't worry if your particular phobia or obsession isn't mentioned here.
Panic attacks A panic attack is a sudden surge of Anxiety, usually short-lived but very intense.
The surge causes physical sensations that increase dramatically as the attack progresses.
It is fueled by a sudden release of adrenalin into the body.
They vary from person to person but doctors use the following list - if you experience four or more of these sensations in the space of a few seconds then you are probably having a panic attack:
For many people, panic attacks are the foundation that their Anxiety disorder is built on.
For them, life becomes a question of doing anything to avoid another panic attack.
And yet other Anxiety sufferers have never experienced a panic attack, and never will.
Phobias Phobias encompass both a fear of something specific and more generalized, but still focused, fears.
Agoraphobia and claustrophobia These are both about a fear of being trapped and unable to get help or reach a safe place.
They are really a cluster of phobias which can include open spaces, closed spaces, crowded spaces, queues, lifts, public transport, crossing bridges, the hairdresser, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.
Monophobia This is a fear of being alone.
Social phobia This is another cluster, connected with other people.
It is more than just being shy or self-conscious and can include speaking, eating or drinking in public, using public lavatories, preparing food or drink or writing while being watched.
Social phobics often worry that they will give themselves away if they blush, sweat or stammer, and the worry makes it more likely that they will.
Specific phobias These are also known as simple phobias because they focus on just one thing.
There are hundreds of these, from fear of thunderstorms to fear of injections.
Panic attacks A panic attack is a sudden surge of Anxiety, usually short-lived but very intense.
The surge causes physical sensations that increase dramatically as the attack progresses.
It is fueled by a sudden release of adrenalin into the body.
They vary from person to person but doctors use the following list - if you experience four or more of these sensations in the space of a few seconds then you are probably having a panic attack:
- shortness of breath
- a choking sensation
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- chest pains
- tension in muscles
- trembling or shaking
- numbness
- intense sweating
- dizziness
- nausea
- urgent need to go to the toilet.
For many people, panic attacks are the foundation that their Anxiety disorder is built on.
For them, life becomes a question of doing anything to avoid another panic attack.
And yet other Anxiety sufferers have never experienced a panic attack, and never will.
Phobias Phobias encompass both a fear of something specific and more generalized, but still focused, fears.
Agoraphobia and claustrophobia These are both about a fear of being trapped and unable to get help or reach a safe place.
They are really a cluster of phobias which can include open spaces, closed spaces, crowded spaces, queues, lifts, public transport, crossing bridges, the hairdresser, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.
Monophobia This is a fear of being alone.
Social phobia This is another cluster, connected with other people.
It is more than just being shy or self-conscious and can include speaking, eating or drinking in public, using public lavatories, preparing food or drink or writing while being watched.
Social phobics often worry that they will give themselves away if they blush, sweat or stammer, and the worry makes it more likely that they will.
Specific phobias These are also known as simple phobias because they focus on just one thing.
There are hundreds of these, from fear of thunderstorms to fear of injections.
