Taking the Panic Out of Panic Attacks

You are in a crowded mall or maybe you are in a very stressful situation, your palms get sweaty, your heart starts pounding, and you feel like you are going to die, it's very possible my friend that you are experiencing a panic attack. It can happen anytime anywhere - when you are alone or in public, it can even occur when you are asleep and wake you up.

Many people, thinking they are having a heart attack and go to the emergency room. Others try to ignore it in hope it will just go away, not knowing they are having a panic attack. More women than men are affected by panic attacks. Some people are affected by frequent panic attacks, which is a condition known as panic disorder.

New research into panic attacks suggests that they might substantially increase the risk of heart disease. A recent study presented to the American Psychosomatic Society in California suggests that during panic attacks, blood supply to the heart muscle declines. This condition, which the medical term is 'myocardial ischemia', may result in angina (chest pain), and can possibly trigger a heart attack. Controlling panic attacks may offer significant benefits for physical, as well as emotional well-being.

Signs and Symptoms

A panic attack usually has a sudden onset, peaks within ten minutes and can last about thirty minutes. Panic attacks have many variations. They may last an hour or, on rare occasions, up to a day. They can make you feel exhausted and fatigued after the panic attack subsides.

Signs and symptoms can include:
· Rapid heart rate
· Trembling
· Sweating
· Shortness of breath and hyperventilation
· Chills
· Hot flashes
· Dizziness
· Tingling of the hands and feet
· Nausea
· Headache
· Difficulty swallowing
· Chest pains

Caution should be taken if you experience these symptoms. Other health problems such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or, drug withdrawals and of course the possibility of an impending heart attack. If chest pain occurs you should never take chances, either call for an ambulance or got to the nearest emergency room.

People who have panic attacks usually are affected by other mental health conditions, including depression, fear of public places (agoraphobia) and social phobia.

Causes

No one really is sure why panic attacks occur. Stress, certain biological factors and even heredity may play a role. If you have a close family member, who has had panic attacks your chance of experiencing one increase.

Many researchers believe that your body's natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved. An example would be if a grizzly bear were coming at you, your body would instinctively react immediately. Your heart rate and breathing would increase as your body prepares itself for a life-threatening situation. Many of the same things occur in a panic attack. The difference is there is no obvious danger, but something trips your body's alarm system.

Dietary habits may also play a strong role in panic attacks. If you consume large amounts of caffeine or are very sensitive to the chemical, it can cause the onset of a panic attack or frequencies of them.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You may have a condition known as panic disorder if:
· Your panic attacks are frequent
· For a month or longer you persistently worry about the onset of another attack.
· You start avoiding locations or situations in which you have had a previous attack.

Treatments for Panic Attacks

Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This is the number one choice of treatment by most mental health professionals. During sessions with your psychiatrist or psychologist, you learn to better understand your panic attacks and how to deal with them. You may be able to identify what specifically is the trigger that causes an onset. You may even undergo exposure therapy where you face the object or situation you fear.

Medications. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-depressant (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft). These may improve or stop your panic attacks. To relieve anxiety, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication (Klonopan, Xanax, Valium), either alone or with other drugs. Anti-anxiety has been known to have a high incidence of addiction. Always check with your prescribing physician before increasing your dosage or stopping the medication completely.

Hypnosis. Many experts agree that learning some relaxation techniques and breathing exercises will help you control your symptoms. Hypnosis is one relaxation technique that is gaining popularity.

Things You Can Do For Yourself

Learning to relax can head off a panic attack. Relaxation can be done by meditation, muscle relaxation, relaxed breathing or guided imagery (visualization). True relaxation requires becoming sensitive to your basic needs for peace, self-awareness, and reflection and having the willingness to meet these needs.

To maximize the benefits of relaxation techniques, be sure to get adequate sleep, eliminate caffeine and other stimulants from your diet, and engage in regular exercise. Around thirty minutes at least three to four times a week at moderate intensity can help improve your psychological well-being.