Basic Approaches Regarding the Concept of Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as an affective state which is dominated by a diffuse insecurity feeling or by turmoil. Specialists claim that anxiety and panic attacks occur because when a certain level of anxiety is reached, the hormone called Adrenalin causes various acute symptoms. Many theoretical specialists consider the anxiety as a reaction caused by fear – furthermore, they see it as an ongoing affection. On the other hand, some psychiatrists consider anxiety a result of certain frustrations and interdictions – this approach considers that the anxiety is the signal that the individual is addressing to his or her own conscious personality.

The Causes of Panic and Anxiety Attacks

There is a wide spectrum of causes which are responsible for the occurrence of these types of panic and anxiety disorders. One of the main facts that regard the provenience of these disorders is that they are not individual manifestations of panic or anxiety. In fact, most of the patients present other affections like depression, neurosis, post-traumatic disorders, phobias, social and adjustment disorders, obsessive stress and so on.

Differences and Similarities between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks

There are some differences between the two dysfunctions called anxiety and panic, although many people consider them the same affection. First of all, in case of the anxiety, the patients do not present as intense and as many physical manifestations, such as choking sensation, sweating, intense heart beat (which occur in case of panic). Instead of these, patients present shivering, muscular tension, thrills, dry mouth or cold hands.

Still, the main resemblance between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is the fact that their mental or psychological symptoms are quite similar. These symptoms are numerous and can differ significantly from case to case. Still, the most common ones are: fear (of death, of an imminent danger or life-threatening factor, of going crazy, fear of losing control), terror, various phobias (including social phobias – the marketplace anxiety, crowded places anxiety) and sensations of passing out.

The Risks of Anxiety and Panic Attacks

A major aspect regarding the anxiety and panic attacks regards their implications and danger. In fact, all these anxiety and panic attacks are harmless, meaning that they can not produce imminent dangers or further health problems. Still, they should not be neglected because they are very uncomfortable for the patient, as they imply frightening and terrifying feelings. Furthermore, they can amplify in months or years and increase the psychological risks, as they can tend to develop neurosis, depressions or severe panic attacks. This is the main reason why a certain treatment is necessary in case these anxiety attacks occur on regular bases.

The Available Treatment for Panic and Anxiety Attacks

The treatment of these panic and anxiety disorders regards two main aspects: the medicaments and the psychotherapy. The medicaments are based on drugs which have both immediate effects (which are administrated in case of a panic attack) and which have long term effects (antidepressants). Psychotherapy is a complex procedure which may include various approaches: individual therapy, family or group therapy, stress and phobia control through meditation and other alternative methods. The specific individual treatment is focused on making the patient understand the unjustified cause of his or her fears and the lack of dangers. Furthermore, the patient is taught to control his or her emotions and to understand their causes.

Other Forms of Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Another prevalent anxiety affection is the generalized anxiety. This form does not present panic attacks, but instead, it is based on the anticipation of disasters, negative questions, exaggerations regarding certain situations and stressful factors. This type of anxiety implies a series of physical symptoms, as well, which include insomnia, muscular tension, cramps, headaches, sweating, tiredness, lack of concentration, depression or irritability.

Phobias are specialized fears, described by high intensity, terror and panic. The phobias are other anxious states-these imply a group of symptoms that are caused by certain objects or situations which are considered increased fear factors. Still, these objects and situations do not actually have a dangerous feature, but the patient presents irrational and uncontrolled reactions towards them.