With symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, panic disorder is one
of the most frightening and misunderstood anxiety disorders. Panic
attacks usually strike without warning, and can even occur while a person
is sleeping. A person with panic disorder may feel fine most of the
time, but at times suffer from an overwhelming sense of fear for no
apparent reason. Because the physical symptoms are so severe, people often
believe they’re having a heart attack or are about to die.
During a panic attack, sufferers may begin to feel dizzy, faint or
weak. Their heart may pound, they may begin to sweat and they may have
tingling or numbness in their hands. Frequently, they feel like they’re
losing control, and their sense of reality can become distorted. They
often feel an overwhelming, inexplicable feeling of doom. Panic attacks
usually don’t last very long, reaching their peak in about 10 minutes.
However, they can last longer. People with panic disorder often don’t
realize they’re suffering from an emotional condition, instead believing
they are physically ill. They may seek medical treatment for years before
discovering the true cause of their symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder
For sufferers of social anxiety disorder, something as simple as
talking to another person can be traumatic. With this condition, everyday
social situations can be a source of fear and dread. Sufferers feel
self-conscious and anxious in front of other people, and may feel like others
are watching or judging them. For some people, the fear is specific,
such as being nervous when speaking in public. For other people, however,
their anxiety is wide-ranging, and they may fear any situation where
they must interact with others. They may become so terrified of being
around other people that they start skipping school or work.
The situation is often made worse by the physical symptoms that
accompany it. Sufferers may sweat profusely, have trouble speaking, blush,
shake and become nauseated. Already self-conscious, they are even more
embarrassed by their behavior and may avoid public situations entirely.
People with social anxiety disorder usually know their fears are
unwarranted, but the terror is so powerful that they are unable to control it.