Panic Anxiety Attacks

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Author:
Derick Bell

Have you ever experienced a sudden change of pace in your heart? Your face may become flushed and a loss of breath may occur. Dizziness follows and you might have the urge to vomit on the spot. Your life feels like it is racing out of control. For some, a feeling that conjures up thoughts of impending death may arise. Little do you know that these are all signs associated with a panic attack, which can occur at anytime in your life, regardless of who you are or where you happen to be at the time. You are overtaken by a strong sense of fear with your entire body reacting to this scary process.

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of a panic attack are so overwhelming that some feel they are having a heart attack. It is a condition that mostly occurs in females, but is also fairly common among males. When individuals experience numerous panic attacks, they will most likely be diagnosed as having a condition that is called panic disorder. It is a treatable condition marked by a series of signs and symptoms.

Although there are variations in symptoms of a panic attack, there are a few basic characteristics that often last about ½ hour after the sudden emergence of attack symptoms. A person may experience an increase in heart rate, sweats, chills, nausea, chest pain, dizziness, faintness, tightness in the throat, hot flashes, hyperventilation and trouble swallowing. A headache is also a common sign of a panic attack.

Causes of a Panic Attack

There are numerous factors that may contribute to the onset of a panic attack, but a clearly defined, concrete list of do’s or don’ts has yet to be compiled. Doctors know that stress, heredity and other biochemical variables have something to do with panic attacks. For instance, if your mother has a history of suffering many panic attacks throughout her life, it is not uncommon for her children to possibly experience the same.

A panic attack may also develop when one is suffering from depression and other mental disorders, such as an intense fear of something or someone. For example, if you are afraid of planes and you are forced to ride on one, you may experience a panic attack. Those suffering from panic attacks may also suffer from extreme anti-social feelings. When panic attacks evolve into a persistent event or they cause one to lead their life differently, this is when assistance from a physician is needed.

Treatment

When one finally seeks help for their panic attack problem, they will find that the treatment for this disorder is rather effective. Numerous medications are used in treating this condition. They may include a variety of antidepressants, including Zoloft, which is a type of sertraline. Paroxetine, such as Paxil and a fluoxetine like Prozac or Sarafem are also used. A benzodiazepine-type of medication may also be prescribed, which includes brand names like Xanax. Sometimes, a patient will undergo various sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist, which may treat the root of their problem. They might discover new ways of dealing with their panic attacks, often eliminating the need to use chemical medication for treatment.

In addition to using the assistance of your doctor and other healthcare professionals, you will also find various approaches in self-care to consider. This may include incorporating meditation, muscle relaxation and controlled breathing into your daily routine.

About the Author :

Derrick Bell is a writer and administrator for Panic Attack Topics, a site that specializes in panic attack symptoms.


Article Source: www.iSnare.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Panic Attacks... How To Stop A Panic Attack What are panic attacks and panic disorder? A panic attack is a sudden, unpleasant and debilitating experience in which the sufferer often feels as if he or she is dying. One very noticeable panic attack symptom is what feels like a rapid heartbeat, as if the heart is going to explode. Panic attack symptoms include: - fear of dying - shallow and/or rapid breathing - sweating, shaking, trembling - severe anxiety - fear of a heart attack - feeling out of control - hot flashes or chills - fear of going crazy - nausea - visual disturbances - dizziness or feeling faint - numbness or tingling of extremeties - feeling as if the walls are closing in Recurring panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder, which affects one in 75 people. The symptoms for panic disorder are the same as for an individual panic attack, except that the sufferer experiences panic attacks on a more regular basis. Panic disorder symptoms include the fear of having another panic attack, a fear that in itself could bring on a panic attack. Panic disorder in turn can lead to "situational avoidance," which means that the sufferers feel compelled to avoid every place or situation in which a previous panic attack has occurred, to the point where they may not even leave their houses. Panic disorder that proceeds to this point of phobia can be very serious and disruptive to a normal life. What is the cause of a panic attack? Panic attacks have a variety of causes, some physical, some mental and some emotional. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to panic attacks, while gender also plays a role, as women are more prone to panic attacks than men. Sometimes hidden allergies or sensitivities to food, drink or other chemical such as a drug or pollutant can trigger a panic attack, while at other...