Essential Facts About Panic Attacks

If you've ever had a sudden, inexplicable rush of fear that overcame you without

warning then you've probably experienced what is commonly known as a panic attack. These extreme bouts of fear are not strictly speaking medical illnesses but are caused by a variety of factors and have been experienced by a large number of people in the general population.

They last for different periods of time from person to person with the shortest episodes being only a few minutes to several hours on the other extreme. The common symptoms that are normally experienced while going through them include an increased heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, a sense of dying, hopelessness and depression.

Some researchers believe that actual, physical abnormalities in the brain cause this affliction. Others think there is a genetic link which can be passed on by parents to their children. They are also linked to other psychiatric and psychological conditions such as depression. Many doctors believe they are mostly caused by mental factors more than physical reasons.

Therapy is effective for treatment. The most common approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. CBT involves the patient in making him aware of his own condition and learn important lessons through this awareness. The person is required to carefully notice his own feelings and reactions to his fears. He is made to practice certain behavioral patterns to enable him to be stronger. He is taught to carefully calibrate his reactions and grow in understanding the situation that cause these extreme rushes of anxiety.

Another form of therapy is the deliberate confrontation of the feared person, situation or place. This makes the individual gradually become less sensitive and more relaxed over a period of time. This method requires a high level of dedication on the part of the patient to successfully rehabilitate himself.

Medication is not needed by every sufferer but depends on the severity of the condition. Some people are able to improve with the help of therapy. The most common form of medicines are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. These drugs affect the way the nerves in the body communicate with each other and enable the person to remain calm and relaxed.

Another commonly used group of drugs are Tricyclic Antidepressants. These drugs however have fallen out of favor because of their higher chance of producing undesirable side effects. They require closer expert supervision to be used safely.

Alternative forms of treatment can be helpful to a great extent. The more common ones are aromatherapy, herbal remedies, yoga, acupuncture, music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy and hypnotism. Because this condition is often caused by non-medical factors, these forms of treatment have an important role to play in addressing it.

by: Gabriel Alwin

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