Anxiety and Panic Disorders

I know that many people believe the know what it is like to suffer from an anxiety or panic disorder because we have all felt anxious or panicky at some point in our lives. What most people don't know, however, is that these disorders go beyond these occassional episodes. I am not trying to belittle what one feels when they are feeling anxious... I'm simply trying to shed a new light on what it is actually like for those of us who suffer on a more regular basis.

I have to admit that with regards to these disorders, I am very lucky. I have been diagnosed with them but on a very small level. I do have anxiety and panic attacks on a fairly regular basis but in comparison with what others go through, my experiences in this area are just a walk in the park. I am going to do my best to portray what it is like for me but I know that it is just the tip of the iceburg. If someone who is reading this feels that there is something more that should be added, PLEASE feel free to let me know and I will include it on this page. I want people to understand everything that goes along with these disorders so any help you can offer me would be greatly appreciated.

• excessive anxiety, worry, or fear
• high level of motor tension (i.e. restlessness, tiredness, shakiness, or muscle tension)
• physiological hyperactivity (i.e. rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, dry mouth, or nausea)
• generalized fear that has reached a point where it significantly interferes with daily functionning

• A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:
  1. sweating, chills or hot flushes
  2. trembling or shaking
  3. sensations of shortness of breath, smothering or feeling of choking
  4. chest pain or discomfort
  5. feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
  6. nausea or abdominal distress
  7. palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
  8. paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
  9. derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
  10. fear of losing control or going crazy
  11. fear of dying
  
  
  • At least one of the attacks has been followed by one month (or more) of one of the following:
    -persistent concern about having additional attacks
    -worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy")
  
  *** An attack cannot be caused by the effects of a substance or a medical condition