Treating Anxiety Panic Symptoms
Severe Panic Symptoms are associated with a number of anxiety disorders such as social phobia and agoraphobia. Those with social anxiety have intense fears of being ridiculed and embarrassed during public or social situations such as performing on stage or going to a party. The thought of making a fool of themselves in front of other people creates such fear that they will try and do anything to get out of it.
In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Professionals have come to the conclusion that social anxiety is a learned habit which can affect anyone. Bullied or abused children are much more likely to develop this disorder. But even into adulthood, people are still at risk.
Agoraphobia is a relatively common condition that for reasons unknown affect twice the amount of women as men. Agoraphobes are petrified of having a panic attack in a place where they can be seen. Common fears are crowded environments and places where one can’t escape easily. Situations such as queuing at the supermarket, going to a wedding and even sitting on a bus are potentially panic triggering.
This disorder sometime gets mistaken as social anxiety for obvious reasons. Doctors once believed that panic attacks were only associated with panic disorder. This is now not the case since studies have shown that many agoraphobes do not have panic disorder.
People with panic disorder experience panic attacks out of the blue and have no forewarning. Most of the time, Panic symptoms are triggered by a feared situation in agoraphobes. When an attack occurs a sufferer might experience a number of symptoms including a tightness in the chest and throat, shaking and palpitations.
A sufferer’s condition can quickly deteriorate and they might experience more frightening symptoms such as hyperventilation and depersonalization. In extreme cases people with agoraphobia stay at home for months at a time without stepping out. Life can be unbearable.
Day to day life is limited and it’s no surprise how depressing and lonely it can be. Making a life, pursuing a career or having a relationship can seem like impossible tasks. Studies have shown that depressive disorders develop much more easily in those with agoraphobia. A high proportion of male sufferers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with panic symptoms.
Even though anxiety disorders are highly under recognized there is anxiety help and treatment. The options include therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and hypnosis and medication. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. Practicing breathing techniques and self help techniques like EFT can accelerate recovery.
For some sufferers, they just can’t overcome their fear to go out and see a doctor. This dilemma means that potentially thousands or millions are not treated. Needless to say however, it’s vital to get expert help. Ask a family member to go with you for support.
Behavioral therapy might include techniques to help you adjust to your fears over time. This can promote positive behavioral changes when done correctly. As well as therapy, some sufferers find support groups helpful. Talking about problems and giving support to others can often help with recovery. Online forums for anxiety disorders are another source of help and support.