Facebook Pixel

Panic Attacks

 
Rate This

A panic attack is the sudden occurrence of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and generally triggers a variety of physical symptoms. Panic attacks can be very frightening and distressing to the individual. Individuals who develop panic attacks often complain that they feel as if they have lost control, are having a heart attack, or have an impending sense of doom.

In the past, panic attacks were simply dismissed by physicians as an exaggerated response to stress or bad nerves, but today it is recognized as a bona fide medical disorder that can affect quality of life.

The symptoms of panic attack usually include a rapid heat rate, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, fast breathing, hot flashes, nausea, abdominal cramps, vague chest pain, headaches, faintness, tightness in the throat and difficulty speaking. The attacks usually develop suddenly without warning and can occur in any situation. The symptoms peak at about 10 minutes and may last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. After the attack, most individuals feel exhausted. The worst thing about panic attack is the profound fear that one develops and sensing that something bad will happen. Like many things in mental health, no one knows what causes panic attacks. Experts believe that this is an exaggerated response to normal stress. Some individuals only develop one to two attacks in their lifetime, but others may develop one attack every few months. If left untreated, panic attacks can significantly affect the quality of life. One may avoid going out of the home, become depressed, develop suicidal thoughts, start to abuse alcohol or drugs, and develop phobias about driving or leaving the home.

Once diagnosed, panic attacks can be treated. The aim of all treatments is to reduce or eliminate the panic attack symptoms. The two options of treatment include medications and psychotherapy. Most people benefit from a combination of these two therapies. The drugs used to treat panic attacks include SSRIs, tricyclic anti-depressants and benzodiazepines. Unfortunately, many people do not respond to one class of drugs and may have to be tried on several combinations. All the medications used to treat panic attacks have a number of unpleasant side effects and some are not recommended during pregnancy.

Psychotherapy can help the individual cope with the panic attacks and may include breathing and relaxation techniques. There are some natural remedies postulated to help panic attacks including inositol and a variety of herbs. Other relaxation techniques that may help few individuals cope with panic attacks include yoga, meditation and muscle relaxation. Life style changes that are recommended to help reduce panic attacks include joining a support group, avoiding caffeine- containing beverages, reducing alcohol intake, and refraining from the use of illicit drugs. One should start an exercise program and get adequate sleep.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent panic attacks but one should seek treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the condition is treated, the better the prognosis.

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Panic Disorder

Get Email Updates

Related Topics

Panic Disorder Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!