In spite of their celebrity position and larger-than-life personalities, the rich and famous are not immune to phobias or having extreme fear. By being as vulnerable to fear and anxiety as ordinary people, they show how average they can be.

A lot of these superstars possess fears that hound countless other non-celebrities. Just what do these superstars fear most of all?

Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jennifer Aniston share a similar fear of flying. Orlando Bloom is frightened of pigs and Johnny Depp is fearful of clowns. Nicole Kidman is frightened of butterflies. And would you believe that Pamela Anderson is terrified of mirrors?

Superstars and non-celebrities can break out into anxiety attacks anytime they are exposed to that which they fear the most. While it is common to become just uncomfortable about dealing with a certain fear or frightening circumstance, there are many circumstances when the fear can be so overwhelming that it results in complete panic or anxiety.

What is a panic attack? A panic attack is a sudden intense fear followed by an overwhelming sensation of danger. It is typically accompanied by anxiousness, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid heart beat. Panic attacks are abrupt and unprovoked. It can even intensify into a debilitating condition that present a damaging effect on ones friends and family, work, and social life. An attack can occur at anytime and it can hinder day-to-day activities. An untreated panic disorder can oftentimes end up in drug abuse, depressive disorders and, in uncommon circumstances, even suicide.

Panic disorders can develop during the adolescent years or early adulthood. Individuals with anxiety attacks have this dreaded fear of danger or terror and it may well repeat without notice. It is much more powerful than the feeling of simply being 'stressed out'. A panic attack includes:

> trembling

> shaking

> perspiring

> chest pains

> hot flashes

> rapid pulse

> feeling faint

> dread that you're going crazy or about to die

Individuals who have full-blown, repeated attacks can be psychologically handicapped by their condition and ought to look for treatment. They should also steer clear of areas or objects which could induce another panic attack. A panic attack isn't dangerous, but it can be scary, mostly as it creates a feeling of being 'out of control' on the part of the person who is experiencing it.

Only a licensed therapist can diagnose a panic disorder. Infrequent bouts with worry and modest amounts of anxiety are still considered normal. However, panic attacks that take place greater than four times back to back is a sign that a person is under intense psychological stress. Individuals who go through repeated, debilitating panic attacks should immediately seek the assistance of a mental heath professional for panic treatment.

The majority of insurance plans and health management organizations (HMOs) offer coverage which includes panic attacks treatment. To make treatment more effective, people who have panic disorders are advised to join a support group or undergo sessions with a psychiatrist. Even something as simple as talking to a trusted friend, a family member, or perhaps a church counselor can do wonders. Stress management tactics and meditation can help cure panic attacks. Regular exercise may also have some soothing effect on an individual saddled with concerns.