A panic attack is a sudden intense episode of extreme fear which causes severe physical reactions especially when there’s no apparent trigger or cause. These attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours. Most individuals have at least one or two panic attacks on a regular basis, and after a while, the condition usually goes away, maybe when an uncomfortable situation passes. There are many different factors that can trigger panic attacks.
It’s important to note that panic attacks are not actually a disease or physical illness. They can develop for many reasons, including genetics and stress. In many cases, the person who develops panic disorder as an adult may have had the disorder since childhood or through other experiences which led to the development of this disorder. The symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as heart failure or asthma, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Some of the common symptoms include sudden fear, trembling, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, numbness or tingling in the hands or arms, chills, chocking sensations, discomfort in the chest area or stomach, feeling faint or dizzy, or losing control over oneself. While these symptoms might sound harmless, in many cases, they are very debilitating for the victims and often require immediate medical attention. It’s important to note that while many individuals experience these symptoms during panic attacks, some people only experience them occasionally. If someone is experiencing panic attacks frequently, he or she should make an appointment with his or her physician to find out if his or her symptoms are caused by a panic disorder.
Self-help is probably one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety and panic attacks. A combination of behavioral therapy and medication is used to treat anxiety disorders. These medications can vary in intensity and effectiveness. This is why it’s important to seek professional assistance when symptoms begin to appear, instead of trying to self-treat through the use of natural remedies.
Unfortunately, the treatment for an unexpected panic attacks may not be successful. Many of the medications and therapies used for panic disorder only provide temporary relief from symptoms. They do not eliminate the cause, and thus will only mask symptoms. The root cause of this condition must be addressed in order to eliminate it permanently.
A treatment for an unexpected panic attacks might require the victim to undergo extensive therapy sessions. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid the circumstances and activities that trigger his or her sudden attacks. These sessions can include learning breathing and relaxation techniques to help control the amount of oxygen consumed during a panic attack. The therapist will teach patients to face their fears and gradually increase their confidence in situations that typically trigger their attacks. In some extreme cases, the sudden onset of intense fear may lead to uncontrollable actions that result in even more panic attacks.
If you are experiencing panic attacks and are concerned about developing a heart attack or a stroke, you should immediately inform your doctor. Even if you are not at risk for a heart attack or stroke, it is imperative to stay far away from the potentially deadly symptoms of these two illnesses. You can do this by staying away from foods high in saturated fats and sugars, as well as staying away from alcohol. You can also try to cut back on your consumption of coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol consumption, which can significantly increase your heart rate and cause a heart attack in the event that you are already at risk of having one. Also, you should always remember to drink plenty of water, as it helps flush your system and keep your digestive tract healthy.
Panic disorder can make you feel anxious even without having a reason to do so. Regardless of whether or not you are actually having an anxiety attack, the emotional effect of such feelings can be overwhelming. Therefore, you should make it a point to learn how to deal with panic attacks and other forms of anxiety disorder, so you can eliminate them for good. It is also important to learn to be patient with yourself, because when you learn how to control your thoughts and stop worrying so much, you will find that it is much easier for you to live through each day. It may take some time, but learning how to manage your anxiety and live with it will ultimately allow you to feel better about yourself and about your life.