CopShock: Second Edition
Surviving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

by Allen R. Kates, MFAW, BCECR



 Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder



Panic attacks are common, and about one-third of Americans experience at least one such attack every year. Although they are the most frequently occurring type of emotional disorder or reaction, they should not be underestimated for their ability to inflict harm. An episode usually begins without warning and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour or longer. Attacks may be characterized by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, chills, nausea, chest pain, dizziness and other symptoms. Panic attacks are the primary condition in Panic Disorder, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Panic attacks are sometimes considered a precondition to PTSD.
  

Anxiety Centre.com
This outstanding website is filled with comprehensive infor-mation, help and support for those who suffer from anxiety, stress, panic attacks, phobias, depression, and PTSD. It is beaut-ifully assembled by Jim Folk, who suffered extremely debilitating stress and anxiety symptoms including intense panic attacks for more than ten years. As he says, “I went from being an out-going, healthy and excited-about-life type of person to being always sick, almost housebound, and thinking I was losing my mind.” Finally, he found a therapist who understood what was happening to him, and he returned to having a normal healthy life.

   This website offers not only information, but also personal coaching by a cadre of caring professionals who have personally experienced overwhelming anxiety—so they know what they are talking about. Jim says you don’t have to suffer needlessly. You can beat your condition for good. For an "Anxiety Potential Self-Test," go to AnxietyCentre.com.
   Go to:
http://anxietycentre.com. Write: Jim Folk, Anxiety-Centre.com, 70 Rockbluff Close NW, Calgary, Alberta T3G 5B2. Phone: 403-208-0091.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the early diagnosis, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders (such as PTSD and Panic Disorder) through education and research. ADAA offers free educational information and resources about anxiety disorders, local treatment providers, self-help groups, self-tests, clinical trials, and more. ADAA promotes the message that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable.
   You may wish to complete their “PTSD Self-Test” and their “Panic Disorder Self-Test” on their website.
   Go to:
http://www.adaa.org. Write: ADAA, 8730 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: 240-485-1001.

Anxiety Disorders Education Program
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) features a website that describes symptoms of Panic Disorder, PTSD and other anxiety disorders. Treatment options are also considered.
   Go to:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov. Click on the “Site Map,” and then on the area you wish to access such as Panic Disorder, PTSD, and so on. Write: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Science Writing, Press, and Dissemination Branch, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 8184, MSC 9663, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663. Phone: 301-443-4513. Toll free: 866-615-6464.

Anxiety/Panic Attack Resource Site
Dedicated to those who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, this comprehensive site features information on symptoms, medications and treatment. Among other things, it also offers books and a chatroom.
   Go to:
http://www.anxietypanic.com.

Cyberpsychologist
Created by Dr. Robert Sarmiento who counsels many police officers in his practice, this self-help resource focuses on depression, addictions and relationships. Its information will help those suffering from panic attacks, providing stress management methods. The website discusses therapy for people who don’t believe in therapy.
   Go to:
http://www.cyberpsych.com. Write: Robert F. Sarmiento, Ph.D., 955 Dairy Ashford, Suite 108, Houston, TX 77079. Phone: 281-679-0001.

Descriptions of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
For numerous articles and detailed descriptions of symptoms and treatment for panic attacks and Panic Disorder, have a look at Internet Mental Health.
   Go to: http://www.mentalhealth.com. Search the index for panic attacks.

National Anxiety Foundation (NAF)
The NAF provides information on Panic Disorder, and an online series of handbooks on its causes, cures and care.
   Go to: http://www.lexington-on-line.com/naf.html. Write: Stephen M. Cox, M.D., President and Medical Director, NAF, 3135 Custer Drive, Lexington, KY 40517-4001.

Tapir, The Anxiety-Panic Internet Resource
Tapir is a self-help network dedicated to overcoming and curing overwhelming anxiety. As well as detailed information on panic attacks, it provides information on PTSD.
   Go to:
http://www.algy.com/anxiety.