While all of us experience some level of anxiety at a few significant moments in our lives, there are others who suffer these feelings at a more intense level.  On top of that, they have to suffer through these anxious moments more frequently and for a much longer time than we do.

If you know of someone who goes through this, chances are he or she is suffering from a panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a series of panic attacks.  These are also known as anxiety attacks.  Often, these attacks are exactly what they are called – unexpected, unprecedented experiences that come as they wish, almost as if they had a life of their own.  The sufferer never knows for sure what the anxious, panicky feeling is about.  All they know is that they are afraid and fearful of something they are unable to name.

Treatment of panic disorder is imperative.  This is because these sudden panic attacks are highly disruptive to the sufferer’s daily life and may even encroach on the lives of those around them.  In some severe cases, panic disorder is dangerous as it can induce strong reactions in the sufferer during such attacks, including suicidal thoughts.  Imagine being so afraid that you are unable to go to work, pick up your kids from school or even leave your room – that is how intense the feeling of fear is during a panic attack.  If that is not bad enough, imagine having those feelings continuously for days and weeks.

How do you tell if someone is having panic disorder?  Observe their reactions when they are having one of those anxiety attacks.  This entails a sudden, intense fear that lasts for a few minutes and recurs within a few days.  The attacks can last anywhere between a minute and twenty so if you do witness someone feeling such intense anxiety without being able to give a reason as to why they feel that way, you might want to suggest they see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.

Feelings of anxiety are not the only visible signs of panic disorder.  These attacks are always accompanied by any one (or more) of the following:

-    Rapid heartbeat.  Often, the sufferers will clutch their chest to unconsciously slow down their heartbeat.

-    Rapid, shallow breathing.  As with the heartbeat, they will suddenly breathe faster but shallower.  This leads to hyperventilation which can mean unconsciousness if there is no intervention.

-    Dizziness accompanies the quick, shallow breathing as less oxygen reaches the brain.

-    Perspiration.  They will also perspire intensely during an attack.  Just as suddenly, the perspiration stops when the attack is over.

-    Trembling.  The sudden fear that grips the sufferer is so intense their body trembles and hands shake.

-    Feelings of fear.  The sufferer is so afraid they will either be unable to move from their spot or act like they are looking for shelter.  For instance, they would run for cover or hide to keep themselves safe.

Fortunately, this ailment can be rectified with the right anxiety attack medicine.  While a total cure may take years, controlling the frequency and intensity of the anxiety attack can be seen and felt immediately.  Before any medicine is taken though, an accurate diagnosis must be made by a trained physician.  As panic disorder signs resemble those of a heart attack, it is of utmost importance that the two do not get mixed up.  This can be easily done by a series of tests to rule out any cardiac problems.

With treatment of panic disorder, an effective reduction in anxiety attack occurrences is highly encouraging.  Most sufferers testify to the quick ability of regaining control of their emotions during an attack with lesser intense reactions to their fears.  The more serious cases lessen in their severity – indicating that with medicine, panic disorder is controllable just like any other physical ailment.

Anxiety attack medicine will have to be taken according to prescription for a number of years.  Usually, they start of as a-pill-a-day medication that may gradually decrease to as-required.  Even as medication is prescribed and taken, doctors remain in the picture to monitor the sufferer’s progress.  Good progress may mean a weaning off the meds sooner.

Other complementing treatments are also recommended – counseling, positive thinking, deep breathing exercises, meditation and hypnosis are just some other treatments of anxiety attack that have proven to be effective.