Anxiety Disorders

Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks are an acute and intense form of anxiety which can interfere with relationships, employment and schoolwork. People with panic attacks tend to avoid situations where they fear they might experience anxiety or situations where help might not be available or where they might feel trapped. People are worried about having repeated and unexpected attacks.

Anxiety symptoms which present during a panic attack may include:

• Palpitations or pounding heart
• Muscle tension
• Physical weakness
• Sweating and/or sweaty hands
• Fear or confusion
• Inability to relax
• Constant worry
• Shortness of breath
• Choking
• Trembling or shaking
• Chest pain
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• “jelly” legs
• dizziness
• Feeling detached from yourself or from the surroundings
• Fear of losing control, dying or going crazy
• numbness or tingling sensations or chills or hot flashes

Panic attacks are episodes of anxiety that come “out of the blue” and they peak within a few minutes causing significant distress.

Other Anxiety Disorders

• Phobias
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder