Welcome to the room!  We are here to help each other as we deal with problems associated with panic and anxiety disorders.  Please feel comfortable to discuss any concerns you are having.

I have had problems with anxiety over the years.  I had experienced  panic attacks a few times, but it was noting worth mentioning, and happened when things seemed to get out of control, or I was faced with something very stressful.  Over a year ago, I began to experience constant panic attacks that seemed to be brought on by a variety of stressors, all occuring at once.  I finally went to the doc and went on FMLA from work and experienced the usual feelings, thoughts, and problems of going on meds, waiting for them to take effect, and dealing with side-effects.  I found myself in the therapists' office a couple of times, too.  Somehow, it all came back together, and things now seem to be somewhat under control.  I say this because as we all know, "It's always something!"

I hope you find the basic information you need to get some idea what anxiety disorders are about.  I tried to get the information right out of the references that are used by the American Psychiatric Association, so you have some of the best criteria to base your own symptoms and findings on.  I hope this will be helpful to you.  It cleared up a lot of misinformation for me.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me!  I'll try to get back to you in a timely manner.

                                              Sincerely,  Jkm