Panic disorder with panic attacks and acute anxiety have become either more common or more diagnosed in the last 10 years. Panic attacks are generally accompanied with the following symptoms:

1. Palpitations, pounding heart or increased heart rate.
   
2. Sweating.
   
3. Trembling or shaking.
   
4. Sensations of shortness of breath.
   
5. Feelings of choking.
   
6. Chest pain or discomfort.
   
7. Nausea or abdominal distress.
   
8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
   
9. Fear of losing control or going crazy.
   
10. Fear of dying.
    
11. Numbness or tingling sensations.
    
12. Chills or hot flashes.
    

    With the invention of new medications (SSRIs like Zoloft, Prozac,etc,+ buspiron, alprazolam and newer anti-anxiety medication), we now know that there is a biological basis for these attacks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps, but will rarely cure the problem. We have successful ways to treat panic attacks. It is not uncommon for patients with long-standing panic and acute anxiety to need only two or three visits. 

    Untreated, the patient begins to worry even more about the implications of an attack (e.g., losing control, "going crazy") and may start to constrict their daily activities. If acute anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (constriction of daily activity) afflict you, a friend, or a loved one-- call a therapist near you, do not wait.

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