Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Panic and anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by intense panic and persistent anxiety over day-to-day life and social situations.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks affect approximately six million Americans at some point in their lives. The attacks can occur on a daily or weekly basis. Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

• Terror
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Fear of dying
• Chest pains
• Numbness in the hands
• Fear of losing control

Anxiety Disorder

There are three main types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worrying over family, work, money, and health, even when there is no cause for anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worrying over social situations, which become more distressing until the sufferer avoids social settings altogether.

 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors than can impair the ability to function in daily life.

Causes of Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Both panic and anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors including:

Genetics

Researchers have isolated a gene that contributes to reduced levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to positive emotions, in the brain.

Environment

Evidence suggests that people can experience panic attacks when exposed to certain chemicals or foods.

Biochemistry

Studies suggest that chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain contribute to panic and anxiety disorders.

Psychological Profile

Studies have shown that a person's family background as well as specific traumatic events that occurred in childhood may influence the development of panic and anxiety disorders.

Treatment for Panic and Anxiety Disorders

As suggested above, a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, contributes to panic and anxiety disorders. Paxil® is prescribed for the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders because it works to correct this imbalance. Unfortunately, many patients and healthcare providers believe Paxil® is associated with dangerous side effects such as severe withdrawal symptoms and birth defects.

Find a Defective Drugs Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered dangerous health effects following Paxil® use, speak to an attorney to find out if you have a viable case and are eligible for compensation. Find an experienced attorney in LawyerShop's national attorney directory.