Severe panic symptoms are associated with a number of anxiety disorders such as social phobia and agoraphobia. Social anxiety is a condition where a person has extreme fears of social situations such as introducing themselves to a new class and even making a call to a stranger. Just thinking about having to perform in front of others can create intense symptoms of panic and anxiety.
In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Most doctors now recognize that social phobia is also a learned habit. Bullied or abused children are much more likely to develop this disorder. Adults are still at risk of developing this disorder through learned negative habits.
Agoraphobia is a relatively common condition that for reasons unknown affect twice the amount of women as men. Sufferers of agoraphobia are terrified of panic attacks occurring in public places. Common fears are crowded environments and places where one can’t escape easily. Meetings, standing in a queue or elevator are common situations that spark fear.
Misdiagnosis can sometimes occur since this disorder shares some similarities with social anxiety. It was once considered that panic attacks were only related to panic disorder; another anxiety disorder. It has now been proven that some people who suffer panic attacks do not have panic disorder.
There is also a slight difference with panic attacks in those with panic disorder, in that they’re unpredictable. Unlike agoraphobia Panic symptoms trigger when the sufferer experiences a fear associated with their condition such as going to the supermarket. At the beginning, symptoms may be slight such as hot flashes, tingling sensations and trembling.
A sufferer’s condition can quickly deteriorate and they might experience more frightening symptoms such as hyperventilation and depersonalization. Those with acute agoraphobia may not even be able to leave their homes. Life can be unbearable.
Daily routine is restricted and most sufferers feel alone and highly depressed. Agoraphobes find it difficult to build relationships and hold a job. Studies have shown that depressive disorders develop much more easily in those with agoraphobia. A high proportion of male sufferers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with panic symptoms.
Breaking free from social phobia or agoraphobia is highly achievable with Anxiety help. The options include therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and hypnosis and medication. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. In addition incorporating self help techniques such as EFT and NLP can dramatically improve symptoms.
Some agoraphobes may avoid going to see a doctor for anxiety help because they simply can’t do it. This is a catch 22 problem that doesn’t have much of a solution. Needless to say however, it’s vital to get expert help. It would be a good idea to have someone to support you on your visit.
Behavioral therapy might include techniques to help you adjust to your fears over time. This in effect reconditions negative learnt behaviors. As well as therapy, some sufferers find support groups helpful. Talking about problems and giving support to others can often help with recovery. Online forums for anxiety disorders are another source of help and support.
