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

Daily life may be disrupted constantly if panic and anxiety attacks are frequent. Panic disorder sufferers experience frequent panic attacks which can be extremely terrifying.

Symptoms are varied and can depend on the severity of the attack. Stomach pains, a rushing heartbeat, sweating and a feeling of terror are common symptoms. Also, feelings of unreality or depersonalization may occur.

It’s hard to understand what a sufferer experiences but for them it’s all too real and terrifying. Their perception of their environment becomes unfamiliar and strange. Odd perceptual distortions or dreamlike sensations may be experienced.

Astonishingly, panic attacks can occur even during sleep. Unlike anxiety attacks, a panic attack may arise at any time. As attacks can be spontaneous, sufferers may feel scared to do everyday things. Sufferers may avoid certain day to day chores such as going grocery shopping and driving down to the post office.

Another reason a panic disorder sufferer may avoid a certain place or situation is because of a previous bad experience. 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. Anxiety symptoms are often triggered by day to day stressors. This starts up a stress response which produces similar symptoms to that of a panic attack.

Fortunately, panic and anxiety disorders can be treated. In many cases, prescription medication is not necessary since there are natural alternatives. In fact behavioral therapies can be highly effective at dealing with such disorders.