Anxiety, Panic and Stress

Anxiety is a physiological state that’s caused by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). SNS is always active at the base level (called sympathetic tone) and becomes more active in stressful situations. The "flight or fight" response occurs from here. Anxiety doesn’t need an outside influence to occur. Anxiety is often based on irrational or illogical fears.

Panic is related to the "fight or flight" mechanism.  It’s a reaction brought on by outside stimulus and is a product of the sympathetic nervous system. Panic in general is a sudden fear that can dominate or replace our thinking. Panic usually occurs in a situation that is perceived to be health or life threatening. Panic is an anxiety state we’re thinking about.

Stress is a psychosocial reaction. It’s influenced by the way a person filters non-threatening external

events. The filtering is based on the person’s assumptions, ideas and expectations. These

assumptions, ideas and expectations can be referred to as social constructionism.

Panic and stress both play important roles in the natural survival instinct. The preparations for fight

Or flight is the body’s defense mechanisms. Preparing for whichever course of action is decided upon to preserve life, health or whatever is in danger.

Anxiety doesn’t always stem from an actual need for fear or defensive action. Escaping situations that make us anxious may bring relief, but these feelings are intensified when we face similar situations. This encourages us to escape the situation again instead of working through the anxiety.

Anxiety or panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety, fear and discomfort. While these attacks might seem to happen for no reason, they’re actually the body’s response to what it perceives as the need for "fight or flight".

The attacks usually last about ten minutes, but can be as short as one minute. In severe cases, these attacks can happen in cycles. These cycles may last for extended periods. These cycles can cause "anticipation" anxiety between episodes.

Physical symptoms of anxiety attacks generally include shortness of breath, heart palpitations and sweating.  Tingling and numbness in the extremities, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches and nausea are also commonly experienced. These may appear to be random, but they’re actually the result of the body’s preparations for protection.

The anxiety attack is brought on by a sudden onset of fear. In response, the body releases adrenaline Followed by increases in the heart and breathing rate and the production of sweat (to regulate body temperature).

These actions prepare the body for the physical activities of fighting or escaping. Because the anticipated strenuous activity rarely follows the panic attack, these reactions result in physical discomfort.

The increased heart rate is felt as heart palpitations. Rapid breathing (hyperventilation) results in a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and blood.  This leads to the tingling, numbness, dizziness and lightheadedness. The adrenaline causes a narrowing of the blood vessels which results in less blood flow to the head. This also contributes to the lightheadedness and headaches.

These debilitating episodes are more likely to occur during times of high stress. It’s also common for symptoms of clinical depression to be present in people with anxiety disorders. Treatment includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Sometimes a combination of all three is needed. Occasionally, a change in lifestyle is all that is needed.

 Mainstream treatment generally consists of a combination of prescription medications and referral to a cognitive behavioral therapist. This treatment method is often met with controversy. Some studies show this combination is more effective than either method alone, while other studies have shown that the majority of patients gain more benefits from the medications and very little of the behavioral treatments.

 The best treatment may depend on the genetics of the individual sufferer as well as environmental factors. Working closely with a counselor, psychiatrist or therapist will aid in determining the best treatment methods.

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