A - Z Guide

What is Panic Attack?

Panic Disorder which causes a panic attack is a serious condition that around one out of every 75 people might experience. They occur when the person has an intense fear or anxiety that occurs often without any warning. These episodes can last from one minute to a few hours.

The Symptoms of Panic Attacks

It is far more intense than the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience. Symptoms of a panic attack include:

A racing heartbeat
Difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air'
Terror that is almost paralyzing
Dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
Trembling, sweating, shaking
Choking, chest pains
Hot flashes, or sudden chills
Tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles')
Fear that you're going to go crazy or are about to die.

Who Is likely To Experience a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks can happen to anyone at anytime. Some may have frequent episodes of panic attacks whilst others may only experience one in a lifetime. It usually appears during the teens or early adulthood. There does appear to be a connection between panic attacks and major life changes that can be stressful such as exams, getting married and having a first child but can also come as a result of having to face certain phobias such as travelling on airplanes or by taking drugs. There is also evidence that a tendancy to have panic attacks is inherited. However, people with no family history of panic attacks have been known to have them.

Treatments

As the cause for a panic attack is normally unclear, there can be no single treatment for all who experience it. Typically, treatments can involve medication or psychotherapy. The medication consists of anti depressants and sedatives however, these medications have been known to cause panic attacks themselves and so should be used only with the instructions of a doctor. Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy teaches the patient how to change their way of thinking towards a particular thing or situation that triggers a panic attack. Autogenics is another psychological relaxation technique that can be used to allieviate the problems of stress and panic attacks. There are also alternative treatments such as relaxation therapy which yields significant results by teaching people how to relax the body and overcome anxiety.

Self Care

It is essential to stick to your treatment plan. A professional can help you face your fears effectively. Joining a support group for people who suffer from anxiety can signficantly improve your results as this allows you to interact with people who face the same problems as you. Avoid alcohol, caffiene and illicit drugs all of which can trigger an attack. Pratice stress management and relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation are also effective for this.

For further information on Panic attacks and anxiety treatments you may like to visit the following links:

Anxiety
Stress Management
Autogenics
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome