Anxiety is considered a disorder when we feel that we cannot control our anxious feelings. Excess or uncontrollable anxiety can contribute to a wide variety of distressing symptoms and patterns of behavior, including panic attacks, agoraphobia, obsessions, compulsions, phobias, avoidance, and intense discomfort caused by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, hallucinations, and increased arousal (insomnia, anger, difficulty concentrating, etc.).

The following are some terms therapists use to refer to anxiety symptoms and disorders(6):

Panic attacks ~ a discrete period in which there is the sudden onset of apprehension, fearfulness or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations or chest pain, and fear of "going crazy" or losing control are present.

Agoraphobia ~ anxiety about or avoidance of places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarassing or in which help may not be available if a panic attack or panic-like symptoms occur.

Panic Disorder with/without Agoraphobia ~ recurrent unexpected panic attacks, sometimes accompanied by Agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia without Panic Disorder ~ panic-like symptoms and agoraphobia without a history of unexpected panic attacks.

Specific Phobias, including Social Phobia ~ anxiety provoked by a specific feared object or situation (including social or performance situations); the phobic person usually compulsively avoids the provoking object or situation.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ~ OCD sufferers are beset by obsessions, which cause anxiety, and compulsions, which are attempts to neutralize the anxiety. For example, if obsessed about germs (obsession), someone might feel they must wash their hands repeatedly (compulsion) in order to maintain cleanliness (neutralize the anxiety).

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ~ the reexperiencing of extremely traumatic event(s) (usually life-threatening) accompanied by symptoms of arousal (insomnia, anger, etc.) and active or passive avoidance of people, places and things associated with the trauma(s).

Acute Stress Disorder ~ symptoms similar to PTSD that occur immediately after an extremely traumatic event.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder ~ at least 6 months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry.

Anxiety Due to Medical Condition or Substance ~ symptoms of anxiety caused by a medical condition (such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease) or a substance (such as drugs of abuse, medication or a toxin).

Other options for healing anxiety include medication, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, family education, and ways to improve communication, coping and problem-solving skills, as well as self-esteem.

If you are suffering from excess or uncontrollable anxiety and fear, call your doctor, psychotherapist, or other health professional for advice and support in regaining a sense of control over your feelings and a sense of trust about the future.

Some Thoughts on Medication(8)

• There is a time and place for medication. If you feel that you need it, don't get caught up in feelings of failure or that you are "weak". Many of us have needed to take medication at one point.
• Medication may not be a cure for everyone; some people report that panic attacks resumed after stopping medication.
• Be informed about any medication you are taking or considering, including potential side-effects.
• If your doctor tells you that you need medication to stop any further panic attacks and/or that you should be on medication for the rest of your life, seek a second opinion.
• If you are prescribed tranquilizers, take them for a limited time period as they can be addictive; withdraw them from use under medical supervision.