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People suffering from anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia and social phobia experience Panic Symptoms that are caused by certain situations. Those with social anxiety have intense fears of being ridiculed and embarrassed during public or social situations such as performing on stage or going to a party. The thought of making a fool of themselves in front of other people creates such fear that they will try and do anything to get out of it.
In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Most doctors now recognize that social phobia is also a learned habit. Children who are very timid and shy are at a higher risk as are children who are abused or bullied. Even as adults we can develop this condition through negative associations and experiences.
Agoraphobia like social phobia, affects more women than it does men. Those with this disorder have extreme fears of having a panic attack in public. Some typical triggers for panic attacks are places with lots of people and nowhere to escape. Being at a group seminar, waiting at a bus stop and even going to the supermarket can trigger attacks.
Misdiagnosis can sometimes occur since this disorder shares some similarities with social anxiety. It was once considered that panic attacks were only related to panic disorder; another anxiety disorder. It has now been proven that some people who suffer panic attacks do not have panic disorder.
People with panic disorder experience panic attacks out of the blue and have no forewarning. Unlike agoraphobia Panic Symptoms trigger when the sufferer experiences a fear associated with their condition such as going to the supermarket. At the beginning, symptoms may be slight such as hot flashes, tingling sensations and trembling.
When a full blown attack occurs, a sufferer might hyperventilate and experience derealization which is extremely distressing. Those with acute agoraphobia may not even be able to leave their homes. This makes life very difficult to cope with.
Day to day life is limited and it’s no surprise how depressing and lonely it can be. Relationships are extremely hard to make and there can seem like no hope for a career or family in the future. Studies have shown that depressive disorders develop much more easily in those with agoraphobia. In male sufferers, alcohol is often used to escape from panic symptoms and depression.
Although some anxiety disorders have only recently been discovered there is anxiety help available. Medication is available as well as therapies such as CBT and alternative therapies such as hypnosis. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. Also self help techniques including EFT, visualization and relaxation techniques very helpful.
For some sufferers, they just can’t overcome their fear to go out and see a doctor. If they could, they probably wouldn’t have a problem in the first place. However, it’s important to seek professional anxiety help for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. If you find it difficult to seek help alone, go with someone you know.
Therapies are often designed to expose to your fears gradually. Old behaviors can be replaced by new positive ones this way. In addition, there are support groups available for people with various anxiety disorders. Speaking to other sufferers can be refreshing and help you deal with your problem. Alternatively there are forums and communities online for those who need support.
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