Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Panic and anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by intense panic and persistent anxiety over day-to-day life and social situations.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks will affect approximately six million Americans at some point in their lives. The attacks can occur on a daily or weekly basis. Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

  • Terror
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fear of dying
  • Chest pains
  • Numbness in the hands
  • Fear of losing control

Anxiety Disorder

There are three main types of anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worrying over family, work, money, and health, even when there is no cause for anxiety. Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worrying over social situations, which become more distressing until the sufferer avoids social settings altogether. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors than can impair the ability to function in daily life.

Both panic and anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors including:

  • Genetics - researchers have isolated a gene that contributes to reduced levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to positive emotions, in the brain.
  • Environment - evidence suggests that people can experience panic attacks when exposed to certain chemicals or foods.
  • Biochemistry - studies suggest that chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain contribute to panic and anxiety disorders.
  • Psychological profile - studies have shown that a person's family background as well as specific traumatic events that occurred in childhood may influence the development of panic and anxiety disorders.

Treatment

As suggested above, a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, contributes to panic and anxiety disorders. Paxil® is prescribed for the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders because it works to correct this imbalance.


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