Panic Attacks Explained

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks hit with no notice, bringing fear, stress, and anxiety with them. Sometimes, panic attacks can happen for no obvious reason and strike without forewarning. For some, panic attacks come about often. Other folks might have them less regularly. In people with regular panic attack episodes, this can signify a link connecting the panic and a place or situation. Although panic attacks are hardly ever linked to tangible damage, they may be emotionally and psychologically incapacitating. In intense cases, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder.

Who Do Panic Attacks Effect?

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Some people are prone to panic attacks. Some reports suggest that as much as 10% of the population struggles with panic attacks. They typically occur more with young adults. It is also known that panic attacks more frequently happen to women than to men. There is supplementary data that panic attacks may be an inherited trait that runs in families.

What Should I Look For To Tell If I'm Having A Panic Attack?

There are various signs that suggest a panic attack. These signs may include raised heartbeat or palpitation, chest pain, hyperventilation or shortness of breath, stomach churning, upset stomach, trembling and shaking, muscle tension, sweating, dizziness and light-, hot or cold flashes, tingling sensation or numbness, fear of dying, going crazy or losing control and feeling detached from the surroundings.

The signs and symptoms of panic attacks are similar to a heart attack. Panic attacks seldom lead to long term impairment, but heart attacks can. It is best then to seek for emergency medical help, especially if the patient experiences it for the first time.

Why Do People Get Panic Attacks?

At times panic attacks can happen without an obvious reason. In other cases, an event or situation in the person's life can be responsible for the onset of panic attacks. An attack could occur when a person is exposed to various events or situations almost similar to the past that may "trigger" panic.

Other causes of panic attacks include stress. Triggers include traumatic life event as well as stressful working and living environment. Genes and heredity may also play a role in panic and anxiety.

What to Do In A Panic Attack

Panic attacks might be estimated to last less than 10 minutes and in rare cases slightly longer.But in the course of this time, you can experience distress such as those signs and symptoms described above. When you are having a panic attack, your heart rate raises. For this reason, controlled breathing is essential. Breathe slowly and deeply as you can. Breathe in slowly for 3 counts then hold your breath for the next 3 slow counts. Then, exhale for 3 slow counts..

Do this until you're calm. If possible, get up and slowly move around. The old fashioned "breathe in to a paper bag" method works for many. This enables you to re-breathe your carbon dioxide. This method regulates blood acid levels that suffered due to frequent breathing

Make certain to clear your mind of the immediate stress while doing this exercise. Turn anxiety in to calm and happy thoughts. Diversion may also help keep your mind off of the panic trigger.

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