Anxiety and panic

Anxiety symptoms fall into three categories: physiological, cognitive and emotional. If you are experiencing anxiety, the most important first step is to schedule a physical with your M. D. to rule out any medical causes of the symptoms.

Physiological symptoms:

• weak all over
• rapid, pounding heartbeat or palpitations
• tightness around the chest
• hyperventilation
• dizziness and sweating
• muscle tension, aches or tremors
• chronic fatigue
• Cognitive symptoms:
• Do you think to yourself?
  • I can't carry on. I have to get out of here
  • What if I make a fool of myself?
  • People are looking at me all the time
  • I am having a heart attack
  • I am going to faint
  • I am going crazy
  • I am confused, losing control
• Emotional symptoms:
  • Feeling like something terrible is going to happen
  • Being full of fears that fill your mind
  • Worrying excessively
  • Feeling uneasy and alone a lot of the time
  • Feeling isolated, down in the dumps, without control
  • Feeling embarrassed, rejected, criticized

Anxiety Disorders may be successfully treated by psychotherapy, and often a combination of therapy and medication. Research provides strong data to support successful treatment.