Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying. Concern and apprehension over the occurrence of future panic attacks. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depressions, and feeling angry, irritable , distracted and being easily startled are common. Treatments have been largely developed through research conducted by NIMH and other research institutions. They are extremely effective and often combine medication and specific types of psychotherapy.
More medications are available than ever before to effectively treat anxiety disorders.
These include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and buspirone. If one medication is not effective, others can be tried. New medications are currently under development to treat anxiety disorders. The two most effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy tried to change actions through techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or through gradual exposure to what is frightening.