Panic attacks share many of the same symptoms as have already been described in the fight or flight response section. The key feature of a panic attack is that these symptoms are present for a descreet period only.

Their onset is abrupt and they build up rapidly to their peak (this happens usually within ten minutes), during this time they can be extremely distressing and frightening.

A phobia is a reaction triggered by an internal or external stimulas which causes the body’s “fight or flight” response to activate. Phobias are extremely common, and can range in intensity from person to person.

Here is the criteria for a phobia:

1. Marked and constant fear that is either excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific stimulas. e.g. An animal, receiving an injection, seeing blood…
2. Exposure to the phobic stimulas almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response.
3. The person recognises that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.
4. The phobic stimulas is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress.
5. The distress, avoidence or anxiety associated with the stimulas interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, occupational functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is a marked distress about having the phobia.

Here are the criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

1. A person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which either
   the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury to them or others; or the person’s responses involved intense fear, helplessness or horror.
2. The tramatic event is constantly re-experienced in one (or more) of the following ways:
   1. Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event. These may take the form of images, thoughts or perceptions.
   2. Recurrent distressing dreams connected to the event.
   3. Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring.
   4. Physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that resemble an aspect of the traumatic event.
3. Persistant avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma as
   indicated by a number of the following:
   1. A feeling of detachment from others.
   2. A marked diminished interest or participation in significant
      activities.
   3. Efforts to avoid activities, places or people that arouse recollections of the trauma.
   4. Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated
      with the trauma.
4. Persistant symptoms of increased arousal (which were not present before the trauma) as indicated by a number of the following:
   1. An exaggerated startle response.
   2. A difficulty in concentrating.
   3. Hypervigilance.
   4. A difficulty falling or staying asleep.
   5. Irritibility or outbursts of anger.
5. The disturbance causes significant distress or impairment in
   social, occupational or other important areas of day to day living.