When panic attacks occur , you might think that you are losing control , that you had a heart attack, or even that you are just before death.
Many people , according to the mayo clinic, have only one or two panic attacks in their lifetime but in cases of recurrent and unexpected panic attacks , then it is a condition called panic disorder.
In the past panic attacks seen as nerves or stress, but most now recognized as a real medical condition. Although panic attacks can significantly affect your quality of life , treatment can be very effective.
symptoms
Panic attacks usually begin suddenly , without warning. They can occur at almost any time , when driving the car , shopping , even when you sleep. They have many variations, but the symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes.
Panic attacks involve some of the following symptoms:
• Feeling risk
• Fear of death or loss of control
• Tachycardia
• Sweating
• Terror
• Shortness of breath
• hyperventilation
• Shivering
• Flushes
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Pain in the chest
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Tightness in throat
• Problems swallowing
One of the worst things to panic attacks is the intense fear that it will follow a subsequent similar or worse experience. Indeed, experts say that fear can be so intense that you may experience other phobias such as agoraphobia .
causes
But why is panic attacks ? Experts are still not able to explain what causes them , but they say that there are certain factors that play an important role. Among them :
• The genetic
• Excess stress
• The sensitivity (of character ) in stressful situations stress
• Changes in the various parts of the brain function .
Some research shows that physical body's response to danger is involved in panic attacks. For instance if found in front of a threat (eg wild animals), your body will react instinctively . The heart rate and breathing will be stepped up to prepare the body against the threat .
However, although many people react like a panic attack , what is not known is why a panic attack occurs when there is no apparent immediate danger .
risk Factors
Symptoms of crisis or panic disorder often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects more women than men.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
• Family history to panic attacks or panic disorder
• Excessive stress
• Statements with deadly diseases especially loved ones
• Major changes in your life as a baby
• Physical or sexual abuse in childhood
• When experiencing a traumatic event such as an accident or sexual abuse.
complications
If panic attacks are not treated promptly and effectively with the right medical care , could lead to serious complications that affect almost every area of a person's life .
The most common complications include:
• Development of specific phobia , such as fear of driving or agoraphobia
• Avoidance of social situations
• Problems at work or school
• Depression
• Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Financial problems.
treatments
While panic attacks (and panic disorder ) can be treated with special medical and pharmaceutical treatments , you also the same with different methods and changes in your lifestyle can help manage the symptoms of a panic attack .
• Remain faithful to the treatment plan that your doctor has recommended you. Facing fears is undoubtedly a difficult and painful process but treatment can help you not feel hostage of your own self.
• Participate in special support groups. Joining a group for people with panic attacks and anxiety disorders can connect you with others who face the same problems.
• Avoid caffeine , alcohol and illegal drugs. All these can cause or aggravate panic attacks.
• Try relaxation techniques and stress management you. For example , yoga , deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can be very advantageous .
• Stay physically active. The exercise is anxiolytic and even aerobic activity can have a calming effect on your mood .
• Invest in sleep. Get enough sleep so that you do not feel sleepy and tired during the day. The quality and adequate sleep can greatly assist in the treatment of panic attacks .
When to see a doctor?
If you have any panic symptoms , seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks is a difficult situation that you can not experience yourself or ignore .
And because the symptoms of panic attacks may resemble other serious health problems such as heart attack, it is important to correctly assessed by a specialist in order to get the proper treatment.
