So antigens are the enemy, they challenge our immunity, and the immune system fights back. How? One method of attack is for certain immune cells to “eat” the antigen. Another is to cut a hole in the surface of the bacteria’s cell. This destroys the bacteria by allowing water, sodium and other substances to leak [...]

‘Uncued’—spontaneous panic attacks The experience of an uncued attack is the central feature of panic disorder. An uncued panic attack is an attack that occurs spontaneously, irrespective of what the person may be doing at the time. It is not triggered by situations and places. People who experience this type of attack may also experience [...]

Panic disorder; generalised anxiety disorder; post traumatic stress disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder; and social phobia are classified as anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders affect 12.6% per cent of the population over a twelve-month period (Andrews 1994). Research suggests anxiety disorders represent the largest mental health problem in the general population (APA 1980). Using the current Australian [...]

The two major groups of tranquillisers which may help chronic pain are classed as ‘minor’ and ‘major’ tranquillisers. The best known ‘minor’ tranquillisers are Valium and Sere-pax. These much maligned drugs are extremely useful and are particularly safe when used according to the instructions of the doctor and the manufacturer. As long as their well-recognised [...]