Episodes of intense anxiety, associated with a fear of death, or impending doom.
Panic attacks are associated with palpitations, sweating, tremors, dizziness and possibly chest pain. Scary as they are, they can be treated effectively.
"Ravi, experienced episodes of intense, incapacitating fear, associated with palpitations and dizziness. After being cleared of medical causes, He was diagnosed with panic disorder."
Anxiety disorders can develop a result of a number of medical disorders like anemia, thyroid dysfunction, cardiac disorders and metabolic abnormalities. It can also stem from psychological causes and personality factors.
Intense fears of specific situations, characterized by avoidance of such a situation and intense distress when faced with the possibility of being in the phobic situation.
"Sharon is afraid of closed spaces, she would rather walk up 20 floors rather than take an elevator, She also has trouble with closed rooms and tight spaces."
Cognitive therapies to address dysfuctional thoughts, behavioural therapy to change maladaptive responses , mindfulness, hypnotherapy and pharmacotherapy to assist with the autonomic overactivity are effective in the management of anxiety disorders.
Everything becomes worrisome, The fears grow and evolve according to the situation and lead to intense distress. Often associated with motor restlessness and muscle tension.
"Tejas, is constantly afraid. The What ifs of life are very scary to him. He constantly wades from one distressing future scenario to another. This interferes with his daily life. Tejas is too scared to see a doctor !"
Psychiatry is a medical speciality, like surgery, general medicine and paediatrics. It involves the study, diagnosis and management of mental illnesses and distressing conditons, pertaining to both the mind and body. Misconceptions about psychiatric illness and treatment have some how prevented help seeking behaviour in those who need it the most. This Wall has to go, wherin visiting a psychiatrist should no longer be taboo, and people should be able to openly and freely discuss mental health issues. More here.
Dr Vikas Prabhav is a psychiatrist in anna nagar, chennai. He runs The Vivid Mind mental wellness clinic in Anna Nagar. We aim at providing holistic, multimodal care for those suffering from mental illnesses and adjustment issues. We offer effective management strategies for depression, anxiety, unexplained physical symptoms, addictions, child/adolescent problems and other behavioural issues.The information provided in this website does not substitute for a medical consult.