Don't Suffer Anymore - Get Help for Panic Attacks

Panic disorders are surprisingly common among Americans. Caused by stress and often misdiagnosed, it is important to know the facts about the disorder and ask for help and professional guidance. Those who suffer from panic attacks report a sense of losing control of themselves. They also experience dizziness, nausea and a strong desire to escape the place where the attack occurred. Shortness of breath and chest pain may lead to an incorrect diagnoses of a heart attack.

There are many triggers and causes of these attacks, and they are different for each person. It can be hereditary, or caused by a traumatic event such as death. Having another disorder such as OCD or a phobia can trigger an attack. Certain medications, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine have shown to be triggers in many people. Some people are conditioned to have an attack only in certain situations. This causes avoidance of the specific place or situation.

During a panic attack, first the body enters a flight-or-fight response mode. This occurs when there is really nothing threatening present. Then the person will experience increased heart rate, rapid breathing and sweating. Since it is only a perceived threat, the person doesn't need to run away. This leaves the body with excess adrenaline, lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and causes dizziness and lightheadedness. The deeper breaths they take, the less carbon dioxide they get, and so on.

There are many treatments for this disorder that do not require medication. The most accepted treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy which is done with the help of a health care professional. For an acute panic attack, many sufferers and doctors still recommend breathing into a paper bag. While this can work, take care since it has been known to actually worsen or cause another attack. Practicing an even breathing pattern is an excellent way to reduce chances of hyperventilation during an attack. Being able to accept the fact that an attack is happening can help lower your anxiety. Even just lying down can lessen the chance of fainting.

Even though panic attacks are often mistaken for heart attacks, they can go hand-in-hand. Panic disorder sufferers do have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not clear if one causes the other, but it is something to be aware of when you receive treatment. Those who receive treatment early have fewer health problems down the road, and a better quality of life.

Learn About Anxiety and Panic Disorders

While there are many variations of anxiety disorders, panic disorder is a common one. It includes the occurrence of panic attacks and constant worry about having more panic attacks. Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces and crowds) is also present in about one-third of those who suffer from panic disorder. It is a vicious circle, since an attack be negative socially, causing real or perceived embarrassment for the sufferer.

Women are twice as likely to have panic disorder than men, and it usually develops in young adults in their mid-twenties or early thirties. So many people try to hide their condition, that it is difficult to tell how many are suffering untreated. It is important for these people to feel comfortable asking for help. While it is possible for symptoms to disappear for periods of time, if left untreated, it raises risk for other diseases such as heart attacks. The symptoms can become progressively worse until the sufferer is unable to work or keep friendships.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are considered two main triggers of panic disorder, as well as most other anxiety disorders. Luckily, these are causes that are easy to identify and stopping their use is a good way to start treatment. Smoking cigarettes is believed to trigger attacks since they cause respiratory changes - a main indicator of panic. Nicotine itself, being a stimulant, may also cause an attack. Alcohol is tricky since it temporarily eases symptoms. Unfortunately, long-term use of alcohol will increase risk of having an attack either while intoxicated or during the withdrawal period. This promotes more drinking, and the cycle continues.

There are many treatment options for panic disorder. Being able to differentiate between a heart attack and a panic attack is key. Learning that skill can be accomplished with the help of a professional health care provider such as a psychologist or counselor. Anti-depressants (SSRIs, MAOIs) and anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines) may be used together or separately to moderate symptoms. Behavioral therapies have also been found greatly effective, the most popular method being Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

A specific type of this therapy graduallly exposes the sufferer to physical symptoms of an attack, and with time they learn to reduce their anxiety and become more comfortable in a greater variety of situations. Examples of these simple exercises include: intentional hyperventilation, spinning in a chair, breathing through a straw or holding breath and running in place. While there is no one cause for panic disorder, the research continues and there is hope for all who suffer.