Panic Anxiety Disorder

Overview

Panic anxiety disorder effects everyday life for those who suffer the excessive amount of anxiety. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, panic anxiety disorder is characterized by attacks of panic for no apparent reason.
Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are a sudden overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety that extend beyond the normal feelings of stress. Panic attacks are not fatal, but can be debilitating when an individual suffers from them repeatedly.

Symptoms

The symptoms of panic anxiety disorder include: sudden feelings of danger, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain, a feeling of choking, dizziness, feeling outside yourself, tingling, chills or hot flashes, fear of death, and feelings of losing control or feeling crazy.
Diagnosis

Because the symptoms of panic anxiety disorder can mimic those of other serious problems, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal problems and pulmonary ailments, your doctor will perform a number of tests to rule out these other illnesses.
Treatment

Panic anxiety disorder is treated with antidepressant medications or with cognitive behavior therapy. In many cases, both of these methods are used to treat the patient.
Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals who are compliant with treatment for panic anxiety disorder is good. Cognitive behavior therapy has an 80 to 90 percent success rate, while medication yields positive results 50 to 80 percent of the time.