Panic attacks usually last about 30 minutes but it can seem like a lifetime. A sudden, overwhelming sense of fear, danger and impending doom comes out of nowhere, unrelated to any real threat. The terrified sufferer usually thinks he’s having a heart attack and fears for his life.
Symptoms are rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, chills, hot flashes, sweating, hyperventilation, abdominal cramping, chest pain, headache, trouble swallowing, and nausea. These symptoms can also indicate illness or disease. Prompt medical attention is important.
Hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism are medical conditions that trigger anxiety. When the condition is under control, the anxiety goes away. A side effect of some prescription medications can be nervousness and anxiety. Withdrawal from some medications, or from addictive drugs, can precipitate feelings of overwhelming fear and anxiety.
Since recurring attacks come with no warning and not in response to real danger, a lingering fear of another episode can be debilitating. It’s important not to avoid the place or circumstances where the attack occurred. This can lead to a downward spiral of avoiding more and more situations. Untreated this condition frequently leads to depression, withdrawal from social situations, substance abuse, development of phobias, or even agoraphobia, fear of leaving the home. Some people have 1 or 2 panic attacks in a lifetime with no ongoing consequences. If attacks are repetitive and accompanied by a constant fear of another attack, this may indicate a chronic condition called Panic Disorder.
The cause of this chronic condition is unknown. There’s probably a genetic component but some sufferers experience recurring anxiety and terror after a traumatic event such as a mugging, robbery, death in the family, or a serious accident. For these individuals it seems to be a learned response, triggered by situations not obviously or directly related to the traumatic event.
The first step is to have a doctor rule out physical causes. Sometimes medication, usually sedatives are prescribed. A psychiatrist or psychologist can help the patient discover the triggers leading to an attack, and coach the patient, teaching skills to cope with, shorten the duration and severity of, and reduce or stop the recurring cycle.
The three basic coping strategies are distraction, relaxation, or meditation. Distraction works because your brain can’t panic while it’s focused on problem solving. Solving a puzzle or math problems, or counting backwards can shift your mind to another level. Walking or jogging is distracting and relaxing and helps the body release endorphins, a natural sedative. Relaxation techniques focus on breathing and conscious tensing and relaxing of the muscles. The focus of meditation is to relax the mind, stopping the cycle of fearful thoughts.
Be prepared by practicing coping skills on a daily basis until new skills have become an automatic response. Keep active, eat well and sleep well. Good physical health keeps the fear and phobias away. Most doctors advise against any consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or illegal drugs as these are common triggers. Support groups encourage and share strategies.
Recurring panic attacks are not a sign of weakness. They’re more than just stress or bad nerves. Untreated half of all patients suffering recurring episodes develop clinical depression. Two thirds of those who have one panic attack will have recurring attacks. Seek help. Effective treatment is available.
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