Many people suffer from this condition, however for those people who are school aged, primarily in secondary school, anxiety can affect their learning quite severely with most people requiring some form of medication to help alleviate those conditions.

Students can have bouts both as directly related to assessments, exams, in-class presentations, group dynamics as well as teacher interactions. Many will have a build-up of anxiety leading to one of the aforementioned, which can usually result in some form of mental breakdown, rendering them unable to face their fear of the event. The anxiety causes the body to prepare itself for fight or flight mode. “If you are in a situation of imminent actual threat, then the increased alertness and body response can be lifesaving,” explains Dr Chris Williams, professor of psychosocial psychiatry and medical advisor to Anxiety UK.

When this occurs while the student is at school, they may then need to seek respite in a pre-determined safe place such as the college counsellor's office, library or an isolated meeting room. This strategy is designed to allow the student to re-focus their thoughts and implement de-stressing exercises to regain their composure in order to be able to attend to their class/subject needs.

A respite can take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the severity of the panic attack. However, there may be times when the individual will need longer periods, depending on how long they have been grappling with their specific fear and how it then manifests. Many times, a student may also not want to attend school as just the thought of attending and facing their fear can be debilitating in itself.

Those who suffer from panic attacks and anxiety may appear on the surface to be vibrant, cheerful and possibly a talented person (musical, sports or theatrical). However, they can put on an external façade, being well practised at this, which is not reflective of what is going on mentally. Therefore, if they were able to overcome their anxiety, then as a flow on affect their academic pursuits would equal those other attributes. Their condition therefore can significantly impact their learning.

According to Dr Rajeev Krishnadas of the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, this basically means when that person is experiencing excessive anxiety, the part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala are affected.

This results in learning and memory dysfunction. This then translates into their heart rate rising, their breathing may speed up as well as blood pressure and body temperature increasing with resulting excessive sweating.

Per Dr Angharad Rudkin, child clinical psychologist at the University of Southampton, these factors are main contributors and do not make it conducive to learning or concentrating. Some students may manage to take in what is being said in class, but the information is likely to bounce around in their head and  not be processed properly or stored in their long-term memory.

So, what can a person do if they have anxiety and panic attacks?

Self-talk can reduce anxiety, therefore tell yourself "don’t panic", that "you can do this". Work on controlling your breathing, in through the nose and out through your mouth. In class, sit near the exit and record lessons so you can listen to the bits you may have missed.

Break subject work into small chunks, as this can starve off anxiety. Take breaks and drink plenty of water.

Procrastination can be the biggest enemy. Convince yourself to work for just five minutes, then once you’ve started you may be able to keep going. If not, at least you have achieved five minutes of work.

Moderate caffeine and alcohol intake, as they will increase your symptoms of anxiety. Accept things are tough right now, but think about how you can work to make things happen. Follow a healthy routine of eating, sleeping and exercise.

If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks see your GP, Beyondblue 1300 224 636, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800