Munich (dpa) - Anxiety disorders often go undiagnosed, despite clear indications such as a racing heartbeat, breathing difficulties and giddiness.
The German Medical journal "Aertze Zeitung" (Surgeons' Gazette), published in Neu-Isenburg, reports that initial panic attacks often occur spontaneously and are not necessarily seen by the sufferer as warranting medical attention.
In the illness's later stages, up to 75 per cent of sufferers experience agoraphobia, a morbid fear of open places such as department stores and travelling on public transport.
Anxiety is also the commonest form of psychological disorder among women, adds the journal. For men, it comes in second place after alcoholism.
Treatment is provided by modern drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Citalopram, a remedy frequently recommended by experts to cure depression and anxiety.
dpa
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