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attack lasts more than ten minutes and experience an illusionary feeling of a heart attack. Half of the panic attack sufferers also experience the attack in their sleep. It is called nocturnal panic attack. They will get a sudden wake-up from sleep associated with a state of sudden fear or dread for no apparent reason. The calm down process will take some time.
Naturally we will physically fight or run away from a sudden dangerous situation. The fight or flight response is activated. In some situations neither response is appropriate. The systems are designed to regain the normal function once the perceived threat is gone. Those who are unable to control this response and are experiencing this response without any stimulus, suffer panic attacks. Those who are more prone to anxiety and depression, especially women, are more susceptible to panic attacks. Symptoms of panic attacksSome symptoms will reveal whether panic attack has occurred. Racing or pounding of heart beat, chest pains, dizziness and nausea, stomach upset, difficult in breathing, a sense of choking, cold sweat and shaking uncontrollably are some of the symptoms of panic attacks. Some might get terrified and experience the fear of dying.
Medical conditions that appear as panic attack
When investigating panic attacks these conditions should be ruled out.
Managing panic attacks
You can be proactive in preventing and avoiding the panic attacks. Reducing the intake or complete avoidance of caffeine containing drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks and colas. Do aerobic exercise. Regular walking, jogging and swimming will help you immensely. Managing your stress is vital to prevent panic attacks. Do stress relaxing simple exercises whenever you find time. Take some time from your work pressure and relax for five to ten minutes. Breathing exercise and yoga will help you to decrease the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Some experience severe panic disorder. Irrational thoughts and behavior are the reasons for such disorder. Psychotherapy will help to identify and decrease such thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one such effective form of psychotherapy. Control your emotions. Identify the emotional forces that cause the symptoms of panic attacks. This will help the sufferer to reduce and control the panic attacks.
Treatment through medication
Most of the panic attack symptoms and situations can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and psychotherapy. Medications can be used for those when lifestyle changes and psychotherapy do not work. Specific medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI) have been used successfully. Sedatives belonging to the benzodiazepine group may also be prescribed. Some panic attack associates with physical symptoms. To treat such symptoms beta blockers like propranolol are used.
Panic attacks can be very distressing, though not life threatening ones. Controlling stress and emotions and some changes to the lifestyle can help the sufferer to effectively control and avoid panic attack creating situations. Taking early help is important. Consult your physician for the course of action to be taken and don't go by your own assessment of your situation. Panic attack sufferers can regain control over their life by implementing the necessary life style changes.
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