Dealing with Panic Disorder
The rich and affluent, despite having a superstar status or a larger-than-life personality, are equally vulnerable to phobias or phases of intense fear. Their vulnerability to anxiety and fear like any of us shows how normal they truly are. Such celebrities, in fact, have fears, which bother millions of others.

So what are the worst fears of celebrities?


Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Aniston and the late Michael Jackson share the fear of flying, whereas Johnny Depp is scared of clowns and Orlando Bloom fears pigs. Nicole Kidman fears butterflies, and Pamela Anderson, in fact, is scared of mirrors.

Celebrities and non-celebrities alike break out into attacks of panic when faced with the thing that they fear most. While fear of certain things of situations is considered to be normal, there are cases when the fear can go out of hand, leading to panic.

The occurrence of panic attacks is unprovoked and sudden. It can lead to worse conditions, totally affecting one’s work, family and social life. The attack occurs unwarned and can interfere with normal daily activities. When left untreated, panic disorder can cause depression, substance abuse and rarely, even suicide.

Panic disorders can occur early in life, appearing even in teen years or adulthood, with the subject intensely dreading unknown danger and terror. The attacks can recur without warning, and are much more intense than normal stress-related disorders. Panic attacks involve:

  • Shaking
  • Trembling
  • Chest pain
  • Sweating
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Hot flashes
  • Light-headedness
  • Fear of insanity or death

Intense and repetitive attacks can psychologically affect people and requires medical attention. Such people should also sensibly avoid situations, which provoke panic attacks. Panic attacks, though not dangerous, can have a terrifying effect on the victim, making him feel “out of control”.

Only a licensed practitioner should treat panic disorder. While occasional bouts of moderate worry and anxiety are thought to be normal, panic attacks, which occur more than 4 times consecutively, indicate intense psychological stress on the part of the patient. People experiencing frequent and intense attacks should seek the help of a qualified mental health professional without delay.

Anxiety disorders are covered for by most of the health management organizations (HMOs) and insurance plans. Panic disorder victims who join support groups and participate in regular sessions with their psychiatrist get treated more effectively. Even a conversation with a close or loved one, a reliable friend or a church counselor works wonders for such people.

 
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