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Panic Attacks
By L.D. Mairet
A panic attack is a sudden rush of fear or doom that comes on suddenly. Panic Attacks occur in nearly 2 million people per year. Panic attacks affect more woman than men. The underlying cause of panic attacks is widely debated. Many people contribute them to stress or anxiety. Some say that they are hereditary or more likely to happen to you if someone else related to you has expereinced them.
Symptoms of a panic attack can include but are not limited to increased heart rate, fealing flush, nauseated, fear of dying, tingling in extremeties, derealization ( a feeling of being outside of yourself), feeling short of breath, and unable to swallow. These symptoms can last for about 20 minutes with after effects lasting up to two days. Sometimes you can have multiple panic attacks when you get out of the first attack, you can work yourself up into another attack immediately following. This may give you a feeling as if your attack is lasting for quite some time.
If you believe that you are having panic attacks you should get diagnosed by a doctor. Your physician will most likely run several tests to make sure that you have a clean bill of health to rule out any other possible medical conditions. Some tests you might be checked for include EKG, thyroid blood tests, MRI's, and hormone testing are some of the most popular. The reason they check these are to rule out other possible conditions that can cause or mimic panic attacks. Once you have a clean bill of health, your physician can then conclude that you are having panic attacks.
Panic attacks can be treated by medication. SSRI's are the most popular medication treatment for panic attacks. SSRI's are usually taken once per day and are given on an undetermined length of time. They are a long term medication and should only be taken under the advice of a physician. Xanax or a similar medication can be given on a temporary basis to help while you are having an attack. Xanax is an addictive medication and should be used cautiously and under the advice of a physician. These medications can help get your panic attacks under control so you can begin a process of healing.
Panic Attacks should also be treated with therapy by a psychiatrist and / or psychologist. A therapist is a great tool for helping you to understand your disorder and help give you advice on how to manage them. Make sure that you choose a therapist who is knowledgeable in this subject matter. Preferably one that is knowledgeable on anxiety disorders as well. Most likely, you will not have to see a therapist long term. Three to four months of therapy should be sufficient to help get your symptoms under control. However, some may benefit from monthly maintenance of a therapist. This way you can check in and help deal with other situations that might be stressful which could induce your panic attacks.
Sometimes this can be a way that your body is letting you know that you need to make some lifestyle changes for the better of your health. Many panic survivors, such as myself, choose to help manage their disorder by making a few changes in their lifestyle. Some changes that many people agree on include the following:
1. DIETARY CHANGES- Panic Attacks can be triggered by certain foods. Some foods to avoid include caffeine, sugar (use honey instead), chocolate, processed foods, and junk foods, and alcohol. Nicotine should be avoided as well.
Some foods to include into your diet: honey (calming affect), increase water intake, and vitamins.
2. EXERCISE- Yoga is a great stress reducing exercise. It benefits your heart and helps reduce stress and anxiety at the same time. Take a walk and get some fresh air daily.
3. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP. Sleep deprivation can aggravate your anxiety and also cause undo stress. Make sure you get plenty of sleep. Some claim that sleeping between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. is your bodies natural healing time.
4. MEDITATION has also been used by panic survivors with postive results. Meditation helps to clear your mind and gives you a calming and relaxing state of well being.
5. Accupunture has also been noted to treat panic attacks with positive results.
6. Chiropractic Therapy has been used to treat mental disorders for many years. It is a great way for natural healing. I personally use this method with wonderful results.
Panic Attacks are completely survivable. You will eventually find what triggers your attacks and be able to mange them. Some great places to visit for help from other panic survivors are panic attack forums. Here you can get advice from others who are dealing with the same situation as yourself. Look up the keywords "panic attack forums" in your search bar and you will find several places to visit. Many panic survivors are the best source of information. We have all been there, we are coping, managing, and some are in remission of symptoms for several years.
Panic Attacks
About the Author
For more information about this author please visit her sites at http://panic--attacks.blogspot.com Panic Attacks and http://panic--disorder.blogspot.com Panic Disorder.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/22743.html
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