WHAT IS ANXIETY AND PANIC?

Everyone feels anxious now and then. It could be a day to day problems at work, home or  before taking a test, or reaching an important decision. Comparatively, anxiety disorders are different. They are a group of mental illnesses, and the distress they cause can keep you from carrying on with your life normally.Amongst them, panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDER?

• panic, fear, and uneasiness, nervousness

• sleep issues

• inability to stay calm and assured

• cold, sweaty, numbness or tingling of hands,feet

• shortness of breath

• heart palpitations (fast or slow)

• dry mouth

• nausea

• muscle tension

• dizziness

 COMMON CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND PANIC?

Anxiety may be caused by a mental or physical condition, the effect of drugs, or a combination of all these.

TYPES OF ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDER

Anxiety disorder is an umbrella term that includes various conditions:

 Panic disorder. Terror strikes at random. You may end up sweating, having chest pain, and feeling palpitations (unusually strong or irregular heartbeats). Sometimes you could feel like you’re choking or having a heart attack.

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) : when you feel overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday routine social situations and get fixated with others judging you or on being embarrassed or ridiculed.

Other phobias : Intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying grips which goes beyond what’s appropriate and may cause you to avoid ordinary situations. You feel excessive, unrealistic worry and tense with little or no reason.

 DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis : If you indicate symptoms, your doctor will examine you and go through your medical history and opt:

• Detailed  physical examination
• Blood tests to determine thyroid and other possible conditions
• An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Psychological evaluation to weigh your symptoms, fears, concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, family history, etc.

Treatment : The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. One or both types of treatment may be recommended after concluding your preference, case history, the severity of the situation and availability of psychiatric facilities closer to your vicinity

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope effectively.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn, through your own experience that panic symptoms are not dangerous and can be overcome with time and effort.

Medications

Several types of medications have been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of panic attacks, your doctor will advise accordingly. Do discuss the possible risks and concerns of the medicine with your doctor

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Prevention

Few tips may help you control or lessen the symptoms like:

• Cutting down on foods and drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate).
• Eat right, exercise regularly, and get proper sleep. Brisk aerobic exercises like jogging and biking help release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood.
• Make getting good rest a priority. Talk to your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping.
• Check with  your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many may contain chemicals that can make anxiety symptoms worse.