Articles Index

Paxil (paroxetine)

Paxil (paroxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant commonly used for the treatment of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Here you will find information about Paxil (paroxetine), including side effects and contraindications.

What is Thought Stopping and How Does It Work?

If you have panic disorder, anxiety or agoraphobia, your thoughts may be contributing to your symptoms. Many experts believe that our thoughts influence how we feel and how we behave. Thought stopping is an easy and effective way to regain control of your troubling thoughts and reduce your anxiety.

The Panic Secret

Many people with panic disorder or other anxiety disorders go to great lengths to keep their illness a secret. Although they may disclose their condition to a few select friends or family members, the majority of people in their lives may not have any knowledge of the difficulties they are going through. Many suffer quietly, feeling the need to avoid disclosing their secret at all costs.

Self-Help for Panic Attacks

The symptoms of a panic attack usually happen suddenly, peak within 10 minutes and then subside. However, some attacks may last longer or may occur in succession, making it difficult to determine when one attack ends and another begins. But, there are some steps you can take that may stop a panic attack from escalating out-of-control and reduce your overall anxiety.

Fear of Leaving the House

If you have a fear of leaving your house, it is probable that you have an intense fear of being in certain situations in which escape is difficult or potentially embarrassing, or where help is not readily available. How can you overcome this type of fear?

Why Do I Feel Like I Can’t Breathe?

Anxiety can cause symptoms of breathlessness. Most people describe this as a feeling that they can’t get enough air into their lungs or a sensation of smohthering. Why does this happen? What can you do about it?

How to Stop Worrying

Can a person actually learn how to stop worrying? The answer is yes. Here you will find information about how you can stop worrying.

Antidepressants and Suicide

The association of increased suicidal thoughts, especially among adolescents, with antidepressant treatment has been a center of attention and controversy in recent years. Here you will find information about the connection between antidepressants and suicide risk.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a feeling. It has often been defined as a feeling of disconnectedness or isolation. All humans can, and probably do, experience loneliness from time to time. If you are experiencing loneliness, there are some steps you can take to reclaim your connection with others.

Anxiety Attacks Versus Panic Attacks: What's the Difference?

The terms anxiety attack and panic attack are often used interchangeably. But, is there a difference between panic and anxiety? Find out the similarities and differences of these closely related terms.

Tips for Living With Panic Disorder

Living with panic disorder is not always easy. But there are ways you can manage the anxiety and panic in your life.

Panic Disorder Treatment

Panic disorder is a very treatable illness. Learn how psychotherapy and medications can help in your recovery from panic disorder.

What is Panic Disorder?

What is Panic Disorder? Here you will learn the basics of Panic Disorder, including how its diagnosed and treated.

Multiaxial Diagnostic System of the DSM-IV-TR

The DSM-IV-TR uses a five level diagnostic system to classify illnesses and disorders. Here you will learn about the five axis criteria used by mental health professionals.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

If you have panic disorder or another anxiety disorder, there is a good chance that your condition is chronic. At times, the intensity of your symptoms may affect your ability to carry out your usual employment duties, possibly resulting in your need to take a temporary medical leave of absence from work. Here you will find information about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including who's covered and what benefits may be available to you.

Chest Pain Symptoms and Panic Disorder

About 40% of people with panic/anxiety disorder experience pain in their chest. Chest pain or discomfort is listed in the DSM-IV-TR under the symptoms associated with a panic attack. Learn more about this often troubling symptom and its relation to panic disorder.

Prozac (fluoxetine)

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant commonly used for the treatment of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Here you will find information about Prozac (fluoxetine), including side effects and contraindications.

What’s the Difference Between Panic Disorder and GAD?

Panic disorder and GAD are both anxiety-related illnesses identified in the DSM-IV-TR. Although they share some common symptoms, including excessive worry, they are distinct illnesses. How can you tell the difference between panic disorder and GAD?

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome, or serotonin toxicity, is a rare condition caused by dangerously high levels of serotonin in the brain. It can be potentially life-threatening. It is generally caused by mixing two or more medications that affect serotonin levels in the brain. Here you will find information about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of serotonin syndrome.

What Kind of Professionals Treat Panic Disorder?

What kind of doctors or other healthcare providers treat panic disorder? What do those letters after my doctor's or therapist's name mean?

Headaches and Food Triggers

About 50 to 66% of women and 35 to 40% of men who have panic disorder suffer from frequent headaches. And, people with panic disorder are up to seven times more likely to suffer the most severe of all headaches: migraine. Some experts believe that there is an association between headaches and food triggers. Here you will find information about the relationship between headaches and certain foods, including how small dietary changes can alleviate this painful problem.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, often termed IBS, is not a specific disease, but is used to describe a group of gastrointestinal symptoms. Irritable Bowel Syndrome has been associated with panic and other anxiety disorders. Here you will find information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, including common symptoms and how it is diagnosed.

Headaches and Panic Disorder

If you have panic disorder, you may experience frequent headache symptoms. These troubling symptoms can range from moderate throbbing to a debilitating migraine. Here you will find information about headaches and panic disorder.

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

What is it like to experience the fear associated with panic disorder?

Abdominal Breathing

Improper breathing can upset the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in your body and contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue and other physical and emotional disturbances.