More than 40 million people suffer Anxiety Symptoms. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder are amongst the most common. These disorders can be very serious and debilitating for the sufferer.

People who suffer from these disorders may suffer from panic and anxiety attacks frequently which can disrupt normal day life. Sufferers of panic disorder experience much more severe panic attacks compared to other anxiety disorders.

Symptoms are many and varied depending on the sufferer. Commonly, symptoms include, tension, fear, apprehension, palpitations and uncontrollable obsessive thoughts. Also, feelings of unreality or depersonalization may occur.

For a non-sufferer these symptoms can be hard to comprehend but for the sufferer it can be all too terrifying. Their perception of their environment becomes unfamiliar and strange. They may feel disconnected and spaced out like they’re in a dream.

A panic attack can start regardless of state including sleep. Unlike anxiety attacks, a panic attack may arise at any time. The fear of having a random attack prevents a sufferer from doing everyday things we take for granted. Sufferers may avoid certain day to day chores such as going grocery shopping and driving down to the post office.

A negative past experience may be the reason a sufferer avoids a certain situation or place. For example, let’s say that a sufferer has previously had a panic attack in a convenience store. The anticipation of going back, alone may be enough to trigger panic and anxiety symptoms.

Going in or even near the same store will probably cause an attack. Life can be difficult to cope with when in constant fear of an impending attack.

Anxiety and panic attacks differ in both symptoms and severity. Normally, anxiety attacks are triggered by everyday stressors. This in turn creates a fight or flight response producing disabling symptoms.

All panic and anxiety disorders are treatable. Depending on the sufferer and treatment taken, full recoveries can be made even without the use of medication. Behavorial therapy for example, has been used successfully by many sufferers.

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