Mental illnesses such as panic and anxiety disorders affect millions around the world. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder are amongst the most common. Such disorders can be extremely disabling and difficult to live with.

Panic and anxiety attacks may be frequent for a sufferer which is extremely disruptive to day to day living. Panic attacks which are associated with panic disorder can be especially devastating for the sufferer.

Symptoms are varied and can depend on the severity of the attack. Commonly, symptoms include, tension, fear, apprehension, palpitations and uncontrollable obsessive thoughts. Sufferers may also feel unreal and detached from their surroundings.

For a non-sufferer these symptoms can be hard to comprehend but for the sufferer it can be all too terrifying. Surroundings may appear strange and distorted. Feelings of unwanted detachment from oneself can occur.

Astonishingly, panic attacks can occur even during 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. Even grocery shopping or hanging out the laundry may seem difficult tasks.

A place or situation that is associated with a past negative event may be avoided. Perhaps they experienced a panic attack at the local convenience store one time before. The thought and anticipation of going back may trigger panic and anxiety symptoms.

Going back to the same store is likely to trigger a panic attack. Knowing that an attack can occur at anytime without warning makes life a living hell.

Anxiety and panic attacks differ in both symptoms and severity. Generally anxiety symptoms are caused by day to day stresses. This starts up a stress response which produces similar symptoms to that of a panic attack.

Effective treatment is available for panic and anxiety disorders. Depending on the sufferer and treatment taken, full recoveries can be made even without the use of medication. In fact behavioral therapies can be highly effective at dealing with such disorders.

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