Anxiety & Panic Disorders
What is it?
Having feelings of anxiety & panic is part of the natural spectrum of human emotions as a reaction to stressful events and dangerous situations. However, when the anxiety & panic feelings are persistent or out of proportion to the perceived threat, it becomes problematic, often leading to avoidance behaviours, causing significant distress and poor functioning in daily activities.
Generalised Anxiety and Panic Disorders are common, and up to 20% of the general population will experience an episode in their lifetime. Many underlying medical conditions (such as cardiac, thyroid, and gastrointestinal issues being the most common) are also associated with anxiety and panic. Depressive symptoms are also common in people suffering from anxiety. Effective treatments are available, often a combination of medications with behavioural and psychological interventions.
Symptoms of A Panic Attack
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks that typically lasts up to 30 minutes, though in some patients may last longer.
A panic attack is a sudden increase in severe fear or discomfort. This discomfort generally reaches its worst peak within a few minutes. During this time, you experience four (or more) of the following symptoms :
- Pounding heart, palpitations, or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
- Feelings of choking.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint.
- Chills or heat sensations.
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself.
- Fear of losing control or "going crazy."
- Fear of dying.
Following at least one of these panic attacks, you must experience either :
- Continued concern about future panic attacks or the consequences
- Significant change in behaviour associated with the attack (e.g., avoiding taking the stairs)
Signs of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Disorder is mainly by having chronic feelings of worry, apprehension, and some physical symptoms that persist for more than six months. A person may feel anxious for a wide range of things, or sometimes for non-specific reasons, often leaving them in an uncomfortable state.
- Restlessness, feeling wound-up or on edge.
- Being easily fatigued.
- Difficulty concentrating or having your mind go blank.
- Irritability.
- Muscle tension.
- Difficulty controlling worries.
- Sleep problems.
