Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorders are characterised as acute or chronic. Acute episodes are known as panic attacks which are involuntary physiological responses where the body prepares to deal with an emergency situation or impending doom, in an inappropriate setting. Panic attacks can occur in response to stress, strong emotions, foods or illness. Events are usually intense, spontaneous and unpredictable. Chronic anxiety is a milder form of the disorder and people may experience headaches, fatigue and a chronic uneasiness.

Symptoms of a panic attack: shortness of breath, feeling of claustrophobia, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, sweating, numbness in the extremities and nausea.

Who to consult: Acupuncturist, dietician, herbalist, GP, meditation practitioner, naturopath, psychologist, psychiatrist, yoga practitioner.

Tags: anxiety, anxiety disorder, panic attack, psychology, psychological, emergency, stress, emotion, illness, shortness of breath