Most people know that the most common symptoms of a panic disorders include dizziness, stomach upset, intense fear, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, hot and cold flushes, chest pains and fear of dying.
Controlling panic attacks is not easy.
People who have never experienced panic disorders fail to understand either the severity or the terror of the condition.
Sufferers undergo mental and physical stresses that are unimaginable to the non-sufferer.
They feel powerless and helpless and their actual ability to cope with daily living - be it work or in the home - is severely compromised.
It is a cold comfort to such people to be told that almost 5% of the world's population suffer from panic attacks at one time or another and that these disorders can occur at any age.
It is probable that teens are the most vulnerable but the disorder does not respect age or gender.
Women it would seem suffer more panic disorders than men.
Medical opinion is divided on the causes of anxiety or panic disorders.
There are numerous theories that suggest that the causes might include mental instability, psychological imbalance, genetics, nutritional deficiency and possibly hormonal imbalance also.
The first plank in the defence against these disorders is to become educated about the condition.
People who suffer should take responsibility and find out all they can about anxiety and panic attacks.
The second thing they need to do is to look around them to find what solutions are available and implement some or all of the advice they will be given by the product providers.
There are many such products available on the internet.
The third thing that needs to be done in order to be effective in controlling panic attacks is to consult with close family members, explain their condition and the debilitating effect it is having on their lives and seek their support in times of need.