Abstract
Anxiety is defined as the psychological and physiological manifestations of excessive worry. While anxiety is a normal reaction that all humans experience, it can become problematic if the anxiety overcomes one’s ability to function. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worry more days than not for a period of at least 6 months. A Panic Attack is characterized by an abrupt surge in intense fear or discomfort that usually peaks within minutes and includes a host of physiological and psychological symptoms such as palpitations, diaphoresis, chest pain, a fear of losing control and/or a fear of dying. A Panic Attack can be a solitary presenting symptom or can be part of another psychiatric illness such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder.
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Kieltyka, C.A., Nordstrom, K.D. (2018). Anxiety. In: Nordstrom, K., Wilson, M. (eds) Quick Guide to Psychiatric Emergencies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_6
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