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Ask an Expert
Professionals who treat anxiety and anxiety-related disorders answer your questions.
Please note: The information in this section is intended for a wide audience. We will attempt to address as many concerns as possible, but we cannot answer questions about your specific circumstances, conditions, or medications. The answers provided are not a substitute for medical advice or for seeking professional help through therapy or other treatment.
You may find some answers in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and in the related links at right.
Learn more about anxiety disorders, as well as depression and related illnesses and the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder.
Find a Therapist: Seek professional help if anxiety is impairing your daily life or that of a loved one.
Featured Question
How can I tell if I’m having a panic attack or a heart attack?
Panic attacks and heart attacks can feel frighteningly similar: shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, vertigo, feelings of unreality, numbness of hands and feet, sweating, fainting, and trembling. Some people describe this experience as feeling as if they’re losing control or going to die.
A panic attack occurs spontaneously or a stressful event can trigger it, but it poses no immediate danger. A heart attack is dangerous, and it requires prompt medical attention. In women, though, heart disease symptoms are sometimes mistaken for a panic attack.
