Can you tell what is an anxiety disorder from what is not? You're
driving on a dark and deserted expressway late at night. Suddenly, a
car appears from behind you and turns on the high beam lights. The
car begins to tailgate you. Your heart starts to beat rapidly and you
turn off the nearest ramp. The car follows you. You keep driving,
faster and faster, and the car continues to follow. You feel tense
and stressed. Beads of sweat roll across your forehead and drip down
your cheeks. Finally, the car veers to the right and turns off on
another road. It disappears. Whew!
Now think about that experience. What went through your thinking? Was
the other driver "out to get you?" Probably not, but you did
experience a number of anxiety symptoms. Did you have an anxiety
attack? Are you normal?
An anxiety disorder can manifest itself in a variety of ways. From
one-time attacks, to recurring episodes linked to phobias - panic
attacks are much more common than previously thought. The reason for
its increase includes a variety of causes, including a more stressful
culture, unhealthy diets, and the increase of substance abuse. An
anxiety disorder can greatly limit a person's reasoning and
functioning, making treatment is important....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/panicpml