Panic attacks are random episodes of intense worry and anxiety. The sufferer experiences a sudden rush of emotional and physical symptoms which come with out any obvious reason, and with out warning.
Even though everybody experiences anxiety and panic in the course of their lifetimes, particularly when faced with dangerous or stressful conditions, panic attacks are diverse: they can happen without any apparent trigger, and also trigger anxiety in-between attacks, due to their unpredictable nature. The attacks can recur and grow to be regular, usually for no apparent reason, and, for some folks, can occur a number of times per week.
Symptoms of panic attacks include:
Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
Shortness of breath
A feeling of dread, and even
A fear of dying
Panic attacks can take place anyplace and at any time, lasting from in between two seconds to about 15 minutes. For some folks, the symptoms can be terrifying due to the fact it can feel as if you are in fact getting a heart attack. All this adds to your sense of panic, compounding your anxiety.
Despite the fact that the exact causes of panic attacks are unclear, they may happen as a result of:
Stressful life experiences (which could be at the root of emotional distress)
Exaggerated adrenaline response to ‘fight or flight situations’
Unstable blood sugar levels
Caffeine levels, cigarettes, alcohol and some prescription medication
Abnormalities in some neurotransmitters in the brain, and
If you feel you could be suffering from panic attacks then make an appointment with your GP.
Although panic attacks can be really upsetting, attempt to clarify your symptoms as ideal you can – your GP will be familiar with the disorder and will be experienced in asking you relevant concerns in order to make an correct diagnosis (concerns such as: how often your symptoms occur, in what situations, and how you really feel when experiencing an attack). He or she will also ask you about your medical history and your mental wellness history.
Following diagnosis, your GP will then give you the most appropriate remedy for your individual scenario.
Effect on your life:
In the course of a panic attack, your body’s normal response to tension, excitement or worry is significantly exaggerated. Also, you could really feel permanently on edge, irritable and even impatient since you simply don’t know when the next attack could strike. This can lead you to feeling isolated, debilitated and depressed, and can also enhance your risk of establishing other psychological conditions such as agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces) or social phobia (a worry of social circumstances). That is why it is vital that you seek diagnosis and therapy.
Kids can knowledge particularly debilitating panic attacks also. The worry of an attack can quit them from engaging in each day life/activities with others, and also from going to college.
Though there is no actual remedy for panic attacks, there is treatment accessible which is intended to at least support ease the severity of symptoms. These consist of:
Psychological therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or ‘CBT’)
Self-assist methods (such as creative visualisation and relaxation strategies), and
Medication (such as anti-depressants)
If these treatment options prove unsuccessful, your GP could refer you to a mental health specialist.