Panic Attacks Information
Panic attacks are an irrational fear that presents itself in the form of an increased heart rate, increased breathing pattern and either chills or sweating. There are several other symptoms and although most are seen during a panic attack, individuals may vary as to the severity of each symptom and the symptoms themselves. These attacks strike suddenly and without warning, due to an irrational fear that the individual might have. Although the triggers of individuals are usually very different for each person, there are similarities in their fear of the panic attack itself. Sufferers often report that they feel as though they are about to die, have a heart attack or will have a heart attack due to the symptoms they feel. The first time that a person suffers a panic attack it is usual for them not to understand what is happening to them. Often the person can be aided by simply understanding exactly what panic attacks are is and how many other people suffer from them. Once a panic attack has taken place, most people concentrate their fear on experiencing another attack.
Help for panic attacks can be found in a variety of ways but it has been discovered, that most people who suffer from panic attacks do not seek treatment. Therapy, medications plus relaxation techniques can greatly help individuals to be lessen the regularity and the severity of an attack. Behavioral therapy is useful, in that allows the person to feel some of the symptoms of a panic attack but helps them to see that the symptom itself is nothing to fear. For example, the sufferer may be encouraged to simulate some of the sensations of a panic attack such as an altered breathing pattern. The person then learns that although they have this symptom it does not always bring on a panic attack and they can handle it. Behavioral therapy also includes real life exposure. The sufferer may be introduced to the situation, place or person they fear in order to become accustomed to them.
Relaxation techniques have proved very beneficial and can be practised in many different ways. The person needs to first relax their shoulders when they feel a panic attack coming on. By being aware of the tension within the muscles of the neck, the person can then learn how to relieve it. Being able to relax all of the body’s muscles will achieve total relaxation. An important step in relaxation is slowing down the breathing. Panic attacks usually bring on an increased heart rate and also an increased breathing pattern. The person can blow out slowly through their mouth as if blowing out birthday candles in order to slow the breathing. An important thing for the individual, is to be aware that they are not going crazy and they are not about to die. It is these fears that further escalate a panic attack.
Panic attacks are a form of a panic disorder brought on by anxiety. There are several ways that people show their anxiety through a panic disorder. Post traumatic stress disorder is often seen after an individual has gone through a traumatic event like the death or separation, physical attack or abuse, an accident or witnessing a traumatic event. An individual might also be diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). This type of anxiety disorder involves repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors or routines to ease their anxiety
