Panic Anxiety Disorder Is A Condition That Does Not Spare Anyone

Well, if you have been growing up during the sixties you probably heard about the Osmonds. They published several great songs during that time. One of the band members, who was extremely popular, was Donny Osmond. In those days, it was not publicly known that in fact Donny was dealing with panic anxiety disorder. He was suffering from social phobia. Later he described in his autobiography how it would affect him every time before stepping out on stage. He would start to sweat profusely as well as experiencing palpitations.

So, what was actually causing his anxiety disorder? It was his brain's response to a particular situation. His brain was acting like there was a thread to his health and safety. This made him see imaginary threats which, in return, would trigger his stress.

Essentially what takes place is our minds respond to danger. This threat can be real or imagined. Our body reacts to this threat simply by getting ready for action. Heart rate and blood pressure increase to improve the blood circulation to the major muscle groups. Sweating is increased to help maintain body temperature. Whenever the threat is just imagined, these body functions cause the typical, unpleasant physical symptoms of a panic anxiety disorder. Like for example palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, feeling sick and chills.

Sigmund Freud explained anxiety was a "signal of danger" which leads to physical protective behaviors. These "defensive behaviors" are designed to allow our bodies to defeat whatever danger is threatening us. He believed we get these anxious feelings from traumatic experiences, and then reinforce the feelings through classical conditioning.

When we view or experience something we associate with a previous traumatic experience, we feel a resurgence of the anxiety these situations caused. Emotionally, we feel a sense of panic or extreme dread. Voluntary and involuntary behavior urges us to get away. However, if we just avoid or try to escape from these situations without addressing the panic anxiety disorder, we reinforce this desire to escape. This just ends up in even more anxious feelings the next time this situation is experienced.

Panic anxiety disorders do not spare anyone. Donny Osmond is just one celebrity suffering from it like millions of other people do as well. It can affect anyone regardless of the social class he or she might belong to. They will experience biological, physical and social problems that will need timely and adequate treatment in order to make life enjoyable again.

These days, a panic anxiety disorder is easier to identify. An appropriate diagnosis can be made at an early stage. Therefore, an effective treatment can be started in good time. With the help of an anxiety disorder test, it is possible to determine the frequency as well as the level of the anxiety disorder, and there is no need to consult a doctor for this. If you prefer, you can do this test by yourself. Alternatively, serche the Internet. There are quite a few websites offering help and information on panic anxiety disorder.