More About Disorders and Phobias
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Panic Disorder---The
primary pattern of symptoms is recurring panic attacks. At first, the
feelings come "from out of the blue". Symptoms may include: rapid
heart rate, difficulty breathing, dizziness, disorientation, a sense of
"disconnection", feelings of intense fear and the overwhelming sense that
something terrible is happening. Following the first episode, a person may begin
to fear future panic attacks and may try to avoid situations that where the
initial attack happened.
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia --- People with
panic disorder may develop agoraphobia.
In an effort to avoid the possibility of panic, they greatly alter their
lifestyle in ways that restrict the scope of their day to day activities.
They may avoid closed spaces, cars, grocery and department stores, planes,
crowds and doctor's offices. Many become home bound, while others have
difficulty being alone.
Specific Phobia --- A phobia is an intense fear of
particular situations or places that are actually not dangerous.
A person's fears trigger thoughts and behaviors aimed at avoiding them.
Examples include: flying on airplanes, driving, elevators, heights,
stores, closed spaces, animals, insects and thunderstorms. Panic or near
panic may occur.
Social Anxiety (Social Phobia) --- People with
social anxiety disorder are fearful of embarrassing themselves. The most
common example is public speaking, but people often experience intense anxiety
just being in small groups or crowds. Many report the sense that people
are watching them and judging them critically. People may experience
anxiety in churches, restaurants, business meetings and social gatherings.
Panic or near-panic may occur along with this disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) --- PTSD is an
emotional disorder that can occur as a consequence of a traumatic, life
threatening event. Most commonly associated with combat, other examples
include: car crashes, air plane accidents, personal assaults, rape and
animal attacks. People with PTSD report: panic attacks, nightmares, flash
backs and noticeable personality changes. They often avoid situations
similar to the one in which they experienced the trauma.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder --- OCD involves two
patterns of symptoms. The first is recurrent, negative, uncontrollable and
anxiety producing thoughts. The second is the involuntary repetition of
certain actions (called compulsions) in an effort to reduce the anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder --- This disorder involves
a persistent, yet non-specific worry and anxiety about a wide range of issues,
most of which are not serious. A consequence of the disorder is a loss of
self-confidence, and self-esteem