Stop Panic Attacks From Affecting Your Personal Life

Are you a long-time panic attack sufferer? Do you find it hard to participate in social situations for fear that panic attacks can occur unexpectedly? Do you resort to avoidance behavior whenever you are introduced to a stress-inducing situation? You do not have to worry about experiencing panic attacks all your life. There are treatment methods available that can help you get rid of panic attacks as well as to overcome the different physical and emotional reactions. But before you get to read the different ways on how to stop panic attacks, let's delve on the basic facts.

Description

Panic attacks are regarded as the most common disorders associated with anxiety. Panic attacks are very prevalent among adults as well as adolescents. Millions of people experience panic attacks. Some of them are long time sufferers. While there are those who are luckier, only experiencing a single attack in their lifetimes. According to a study, for every 75 individuals, one will experience at least one panic attack. There is also a 13 percent chance that a sufferer will have repeated panic attacks. Virtually, every one may have a panic affect, which can even spiral into a panic disorder. Panic disorders are more serious, however, and this needs medical support, assistance and treatment.

Symptoms

Panic attacks entail physical and emotional symptoms. Wherever you may be, you will just start manifesting different reactions. These reactions include palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, chest pain, abdominal discomfort, choking sensations, labored breathing, hyperventilation, numbness or tingling sensations, sudden chills or hot flashes, nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness. You will also experience severe fear, stress and anxiety. Worse, you will feel that you are losing control or going to die. You may even think that you are going crazy! The symptoms can go on hours, but these can also be brief. Usually, the intensity level reaches its peak within a couple of minutes.

Triggers

Researchers say that panic attacks are basically triggered by stress and anxiety. For example, if a person is experiencing major changes in his or her life, this can trigger a panic attack. Also, attacks can be attributed to feared social situations, such as meeting an important person, delivering a speech, or performing in public. Panic attacks can also be a result of chemical or hormonal imbalances. Use of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol can result to panic attacks. Researchers also suggest that panic attacks can be inherited. If your parents have panic attacks, there is a chance that you'll have them too.