Panic Disorders and Phobias Affect Many Americans

A phobia is an irrational or intense fear of something that is not a real danger. Fear of birds, spiders and heights are examples of mild phobias that appear ridiculous to some, but the reactions are real to the person involved.
More common phobias are fear of water, tunnels, highway driving, or being in enclosed places.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of American adults causing fearfulness and uncertainty.
Mild anxiety can be caused from having to speak in public or going to a job interview. Social anxiety is a fear of large crowds, meeting new people at parties or public speaking.

More critical anxiety disorders can be the result of mental or physical conditions that can cause symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, dizziness, shaky hands or trembling. Seek medical advice if physical conditions do not improve in a sort time or if symptoms appear to be life threatening.

When seeking medical advice for an anxiety disorder you should ask your doctor regarding the safest treatment. Since treatment depends on the symptoms and most medications have side effects, lifestyle changes or counseling may be the best solution.

In some cases medication may be the only solution, depending on the cause of the disorder. For anxiety a doctor may prescribe antidepressants, such a Prozac, Zoloft,, or Paxil. For physical symptoms such a rapid heart beat, sweating or dizziness a doctor may prescribe beta blockers because they don't affect the emotional symptoms of anxiety such as worry. Beta blockers are very helpful for social phobias or performance anxiety.

It is best to avoid all medications, however, for some it may be the only solution. Be aware that anti-anxiety medications may calm or relax, but they also have side effects of feeling sleepy, foggy and uncoordinated.

A doctor must do a careful evaluation to determine if the cause of depression is from substance abuse, a head injury or other traumatic event before recommending medication or counseling.

Source: Medlineplus.gov