Panic or anxiety attacks are sometimes called panic or anxiety disorders, and are general terms for a whole family of anxiety disorders. The members of this family are many and varied, and include:

Panic Attacks
Extreme Social Inhibitions
Unwanted Obsessions and Compulsions
Phobias
Irrational Fears
General Anxiety Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder


Everyone feels anxious at times, especially if we are put in a pressure situation, for example public speaking, exams, performing in public, can all lead to an anxious state of mind, even fear. These sensations, however uncomfortable, are most often helpful to us, they encourage us to concentrate and heighten our performance, but they are different from the ones associated with an anxiety disorder.

People suffering from an anxiety disorder are subject to intense, prolonged feelings of fright and distress, even terror would not be an exaggeration for some, and there is, very often, no obvious reason or cause.

These, anxiety symptoms, can cause such extreme emotional distress that the persons whole life is affected, so much so, that many people inflicted with this condition also suffer from agoraphobia. The fear experienced from having an attack keeps them from leaving an environment they feel secure in. It can also have a detrimental effect on their relationships which makes the problem worse.

Not everyone experiences their particular anxiety disorder to the same extent. Anxiety disorders range from feelings of uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror. If you believe you, or a loved one, has an anxiety disorder, seek competent, professional advice or another form of support.

Advances in medication and techniques are being made all the time and if left untreated, the condition generally becomes worse and relationships deteriorate as a result. Many people misunderstand these disorders and wonder what all the fuss is about. they can see how "out of proportion" the response to the situation is, and they presume the individual should be able to "pull themselves together", however, willpower does not work and although the symptoms may seem to be "imagined" by the casual onlooker, to the person inflicted with this disease, it is all too real, but there are treatments that can help. That's why it is so important to seek out expert and professional help by the sufferer and also by those close to them.

Normally, a large part of the treatment is just getting an understanding of the disease and what is going on during an attack. Realising that you are not alone, that it is a tangible and known disease, and being aware of the symptoms goes a long way to lessening the intensity and frequency of attacks.

Again, and it cannot be overstressed, the most important point is not to suffer in silence, or be ashamed to admit that help and advice is needed, both of which are essential and are readily and easily available. The first, and most important, step is to consult your doctor.