| Article Index |
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| Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks |
| Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents |
| What Are the sensations of a Panic Attack? |
| All Pages |
Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks may share common Biological and Psychological causes. There are many forms of anxiety. While some are related to stressful events others seem to occur for no apparent reason. However every effect has a cause. In anxiety and panic attacks, the cause may vary from person to person. Slight abnormalities in the balance of some brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) may play a role. This is probably why antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are useful in treating around 40% of cases.
However, recent research evidence implicates abnormal levels of commensal (usually occurring) gut bacteria that can cause the release of high levels of trace amines and toxins, both of which can trigger abnormal neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The underlying causes can be teased out and treated, leading to more effective long-term outcome.
Definition of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are probably the most common form of mental disturbance in Australia. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental Disorders (DSM-IV) defines twelve types of anxiety disorders in the adult population which can be grouped under seven headings. The following is a description of the various anxiety disorders. It is presented here purely for its educational value and is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. Differential diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders requires training, skill and experience. Please call the clinic or see a suitably qualified health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
| A Panic Attack is a discrete period in which there is the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom. During these attacks, symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and fear of "going crazy" or losing control are present. |
| Agoraphobia is anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having a Panic Attack or panic-like symptoms. |
| Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia is characterised by recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks about which there is persistent concern. Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia is characterised by both recurrent unexpected Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia. |
| Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder is characterised by the presence of Agoraphobia and panic-like symptoms without a history of unexpected Panic Attacks. |
| Specific Phobia is characterised by clinically significant anxiety provoked by exposure to a specific feared object or situation, often leading to avoidance behaviour. |
| Social Phobia is characterized by clinically significant anxiety provoked by exposure to certain types of social or performance situations, often leading to avoidance behaviour. |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterised by obsessions (which cause marked anxiety or distress) and/or by compulsions (which serve to neutralise anxiety). |
| Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is characterised by the re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event accompanied by symptoms of increased arousal and by avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma. |
| Acute Stress Disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder that occur immediately in the aftermath of an extremely traumatic event. |
| Generalised Anxiety Disorder is characterised by at least 6 months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry. |
| Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are judged to be a direct physiological consequence of a general medical condition. |
| Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder is characterised by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are judged to be a direct physiological consequence of a drug of abuse, a medication, or toxin exposure. |
| Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is included for coding disorders with prominent anxiety or phobic avoidance that do not meet criteria for any of the specific Anxiety Disorders defined in this section (or anxiety symptoms about which there is inadequate or contradictory information). |