About Panic Attacks

Panic attack, as the words indicate, is a sudden yet extreme fear. It can be described in two important ways, “abrupt” and “intense fear”. When in this condition, you are emotionally unstable. This can lead to change in behavior from normal to eccentric. Panic attack is brought about by anxiety or fear of losing control over the physical and emotional aspect of the person. This problem can physically and mentally weaken a person, a panic attack results in a feeling of absolute helplessness. When you are encountering panic attacks on a regular basis with short intervals in between, it can be considered a panic disorder.

Symptoms a of panic attack can be a combination of this wide variety of conditions: shortness of breath, rapid breathing, heavy pounding of your heart, chest pain, and tightness in throat that can lead to choking and difficulty in swallowing. Nausea is another symptom of panic attack in which there can be abdominal cramps, dizziness and the urge to vomit. Hands and feet became cold accompanied by numbness and tingling sensations in the same area. A panic attack is like losing control of everything, and may even include the fear of sudden death. Other mental conditions including depression and phobias can be associated with panic attacks. Attacks can strike not only when you are alone or at a specific time of the day, but anytime, anywhere, even in your sleep.

The cause of panic attacks is not well established by scientists and medical researchers, but the probability that panic attacks are genetic is being considered especially if family members are affected. There doesn't even have to be a certain stressful situation or stimulus that causes the panic attack, because it can happen even without a specific trigger. This is because there is an imaginary or subconscious life-threatening situation that triggers systems of the body that cause panic. A serious illness can also initiate panic attack, but this isn't applicable to all cases. Phobias can be a cause of panic attack and once the cause of the phobia disappear, panic attack may eventually subside. It can also be a result of side effects from new medications or from prolonged medication. Therefore the cause of panic attack cannot be determined readily, because different people react differently in a specific or the same situation.

Examination and assessment of your health condition by a certified doctor can only determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks or a panic disorder. Having to consult an expert like a psychiatrist and psychologist is advised for this particular condition.This is the best thing to do and can be beneficial to you, because there are some serious medical conditions with the same symptoms, so you want to know for sure that you don't have a different medical problem that requires treatment. There are panic attacks that can be cured through medications, but there are some cases that need a behavioral therapist or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes can also help lessen panic attacks. Lastly, there are panic attacks that can be resolved by simple breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

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This is a teen-written article from our friends at Youth Communication , a nonprofit organization that helps marginalized youth develop their full potential through reading and writing.

Ask Dr. K: Treatment for panic attacks

Dear Dr. K: In the past year I've had five panic attacks. Now I'm always worried I'm going to have another, at any moment. Is there anything I can do to prevent them? Dear Reader: Panic attacks can be very unsettling. All of a sudden, you are filled with extreme fear or terror.

Ask Dr. K:Medication, therapy help panic attacks

Q In the past year I've had five panic attacks. Now I'm always worried I'm going to have another, at any moment. Is there anything I can do to prevent them?

Ask Dr. K: Panic disorder can be overcome with medication and therapy

Ask Dr. K by Anthony Komaroff, M.D.: Panic attacks can be very unsettling. All of a sudden, you are filled with extreme fear or terror. You may be short of breath, have palpitations, chest pain, sweating or feel a smothering sensation. You probably fear that you are losing control. You might even think you are about to die.

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