The National Anxiety Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. The information provided on this site is free of charge and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.

We are happy to be able to provide our opinions and educational information to you.  We often receive letters explaining one’s medical history and asking for medical advice. Unfortunately, we are not a medical treatment facility and we are absolutely prohibited to render any diagnostic impressions or to advise an individual of a particular treatment. That would be practicing medicine.

This website is intended for educational information only. Treatment for appendicitis is not a do-it-yourself project. Neither is treatment for anxiety disorders. If you believe, after reading this, that you might have an anxiety disorder, you should see your physician who can diagnose and treat you, or, refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Here are some basics for you to consider.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

How Can I Tell Which One I Have?

Panic disorder is a medical disorder characterized by severe and sudden episodes or “attacks” with several of the following symptoms:

Panic, fear of losing control or dying, founding heartbeat, difficulty breathing or a smothering sensation, chest pain or discomfort, tingling numbness of the skin, hot or cold feeling, nausea, sweatiness, shakiness, or feelings of unreality (familiar things feel odd)