Panic Self-Evaluation Checklist

• sweating
• rapid heartbeat
• nausea, stomach cramps
• shortness or breath, feeling of smothering
• chest pain
• numbness
• feelings of disconnection or unreality
• hot or cold flashes
• fear of dying, losing control or going crazy
• trembling or shaking
• feeling of choking
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization)

Panic is a particularly disruptive form of anxiety. Many individuals suffer from "panic attacks," relatively brief episodes of compressed anxiety which can seem to arise out of nowhere, or may seem linked to a particular circumstance. For example, many individuals suffer from "agorophobia," which means "fear of the market place." Such an individual might feel discomfort watching a movie in a movie theater. She might feel that she is stuck or trapped in this situation, feeling it would be socially awkward to exit the theater suddenly. Similarly, many individuals suffer panic while flying, driving, riding an elevator, attending a business meeting, or any other circumstances where full control is not possible. Other individuals may feel panic that seems to come and go for no clear reason whatsoever.

Untreated, panic attacks tend to worsen over time, further limiting the individual's enjoyment of his life. As with other forms of anxiety, such as social phobia, panic is often treated with a combination of anti-anxiety medication and psychotherapy. Whereas the medication addresses the most immediately disruptive symptoms of panic, therapy goes deeper to address core issues that are likely affecting one's life in other, seemingly unrelated areas. Both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches are very effective in treating panic. James Robbins, clinic co-owner and Program Director, utilizes meditation, NLP and other related strategies toward a uniquely holistic treatment of panic and anxiety.