Paths to Wellness

A diagnosis of Chronic Anxiety Disorder frequently accompanies diagnoses of other mental disorders. Chronic anxiety seems to occur for no apparent reason. When it's happening, people feel scared, intensely vulnerable, and helpless.

Symptoms of Chronic Anxiety Disorder:

-  Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
-  Shakiness jitteriness, trembling, inability to relax
-  Being easily fatigued
-  Difficulty concentrating
-  Mind going blank, memory blocks
-  Irritability ,impatience, distractibility
-  Muscle tension and/or aches, soreness
-  Clammy hands, heart pounding, sweating, flushing
-  Digestive upsets such as diarrhea or upset stomach
-  Frequent urination, hot or cold spells, lump in the throat
-  Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep ,fatigue on awakening
-  Feelings of apprehension, nervous expectation, worries

Panic Disorder is one of the most treatable disorders. Unfortunately, it is also easily misdiagnosed because it can be mistaken for heart disease, or thyroid and respiratory conditions.

Although its exact cause is unknown, researchers believe it is triggered by a chemical abnormality. One may strike for the first time after surgery serious accident, childbirth or menopause. Other triggers may include high caffeine intake, or use of cocaine or other chemical stimulants, such as drugs used to treat asthma.

A panic "attack " is a brief episode of intense fear, lasting from several seconds to several minutes, without any apparent cause. Sensations experienced during a panic attack include the following:

-  A feeling of dying
-  Heart palpitations, or racing or pounding heartbeat
-  Sweating
-  Trembling or shaking
-  Shortness of breath or sensation of being smothered
-  Choking sensation
-  Chest pain or discomfort
-  Nausea or stomach upset
-  Dizziness, light-headedness or vertigo
-  Feelings of unreality, of being detached from one's self
-  Fear of losing control
-  Inability to speak
-  Numbness or tingling sensations
-  Flushes or chills

People who suffer from repeated attacks and severe anxiety about experiencing another attack are diagnosed as having Panic Disorder. However, no two cases of this disorder are exactly alike.