Panic Attack Faq's

What is a panic attack?
A panic attack or anxiety attack is borne out of the body's normal physiological response to danger. When faced with a potentially threatening situation, the body automatically readies itself for danger by producing adrenaline. This is known as the "flight or fight" response which is a survival instinct much more appropriate for our ancestors than to the stresses most of us face today.

What are the symptoms of panic attacks?
When suffering a panic attack, you may feel that you are about to die, or go mad. Physical symptoms may include:

  • very rapid breathing or breathlessness

  • a very rapid heartbeat

  • chest pains

  • faintness or a dizzy feeling

  • sweating

  • ringing in your ears

  • tingling or numbness in your hands and feet

  • hot or cold flushes

  • nausea

  • a need to go to the toilet

  • feelings of absolute terror

  • feelings of unreality, called depersonalisation.



    • Why do I get panic attacks?
    Different people have different reasons for getting panic attacks. The initial onset could be as a result of increased general stress, a food intolerance, a sudden increase in responsibility such as that felt by expectant mothers or after childbirth or a promotion at work.

    Physical causes include poor diet, including dieting and fasting, resulting in unstable blood sugar levels. Similarly digestive problems can inhibit proper absorption of necessary nutrients and food allergies may be the cause. Caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, and certain street drugs (such as LSD, marijuana and cocaine) can bring on a panic reaction.

    Antidepressants, particularly the newer ones, may bring on panic attacks, especially at first. Withdrawing from any drug that has a sedative effect, such as nicotine, alcohol and tranquillisers, can do the same. Some prescription medicines, including amphetamines, steroids, anti-asthma drugs, and even nasal decongestants may increase anxiety.

    Sometimes, problems with the way the brain works will cause balance, coordination and visual difficulties that make people very vulnerable to stress. Chronic pain may be another cause of panic attacks, as can something as simple as jet lag, or lack of sleep.

    What can I do to stop a panic attack?
    The best thing to be able to do is recognise a panic attack in its early stages and prevent it from happening. While you may not be able to do this for your next panic attack, putting the following into practice will get you on the right track.

    Become a calmer person. Practicing a simple relaxation technique daily will help you become calmer and more relaxed. Something simple you can do anywhere is to practise a breathing technique. Get in a relaxed position and just concentrate on your breathing for a few moments. Notice the air as it fills your lungs. Focus on the feeling you experience as you slowly breathe out. Take a slow deep breath in until your lungs are full, hold the air for a second or so then slowly exhale. Do this 5 0r 6 times and see how much calmer you feel.

    If you think you are about to have a panic attack, use this breathing technique to return to your calmer state. If practised a number of times beforehand, you will relax more readily.

    Something else that can help enormously is for you to gain a better understanding of panic and anxiety attacks. Part of the problem is a fear of the unknown, so if you understand them better you can be more confident in dealing with them.

    How do I prevent panic attacks from recurring?
    Some people only have one or two panic attacks and never experience them again. For others they become a recurring problem and can, themselves, even cause a fear of further panic attacks making the problem even worse.

    If you understand the cause of your panic attacks, you may be able to avoid the circumstances which bring them on. This could mean changes to your diet such as avoiding coffee, a change of medication following consultation with your doctor or avoiding locations or circumstances that bring the panic attacks on.

    Drug therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), behaviour therapy and complementary and alternative therapies are all options for professional support in dealing with the condition.

    By: Craig Summer

    Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

    Understanding why you get panic or anxiety attacks is the first step in stopping them!

    Get your FREE copy of Getting to Know Anxiety

    Craig Summer is article writer at www.panicrelief.net

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