Signs That You Are Dealing With Panic Attacks

It is an unfortunate truth that panic attacks are becoming increasingly common

, and in excess of twenty percent of us may fall victim to the frightening symptoms of panic attacks if current medical research can be believed. Given this statistic, it seems a good idea to be aware of what the potential symptoms can be in case we find ourselves suffering from the condition, or in a position to help someone else.

Typically an attack will take the shape of a seemingly random burst of intensive paranoia lasting on average fifteen minutes. Such attacks have often been described as being terrifying beyond belief. A first time victim will often say that they have never felt such prolonged agony in their entire life.

Young children and the elderly are as likely to fall victim to this horrific illness as anyone else, although it is most come for the attacks to begin in the late teenage years. Once the seizures have started happening they are likely to continue at irregular intervals, although it is not unknown to have just the one attack and never fall victim again.

One of the reasons that diagnosis can be difficult initially is the sheer number of frightening symptoms of panic attacks that exist. These include palpitations, a feeling of detachment, loss of control, tingling of the arms and legs, nausea, chest pains and breathing difficulties. The sufferer often believes that they are dying and there is nothing they can do to regain control of their failing body.

The specific cause of panic attacks is still unknown, and research remains ongoing. However, there are a number of factors which are believed to increase the chances of being a sufferer. Genetics may be partly to blame as panic disorder often runs in families. Medication can also play a part, as certain medicines actually list panic attacks as a side effect. Stimulants and depressants such as caffeine and alcohol are believed to be common contributing factors too. Most other factors are emotional rather than medical, and any negative personal occurrence such a marriage break up or a bereavement can easily trigger an attack.

Because of the substantial lack of knowledge about panic attacks, treatment is not straightforward. In the first instance, if someone is having an attack the most important thing is to remain calm and be as comforting and reassuring as possible. If they are hyperventilating then breathing can be regulated by having the sufferer breath in and out of a paper bag. Once diagnosed as a sufferer, cognitive behavioural therapy is the usual starting point for treatment. Simply understanding the condition is in itself often a great relief. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may also be prescribed, although the wisdom of this is coming under increased scrutiny. Self-help techniques are generally agreed to be the safest and most beneficial.

While the symptoms of panic attacks remain equally varied and disturbing, what is clear is that a huge amount of research still needs to be undertaken before our understanding of this debilitating condition is anywhere near complete.

by: Deborah Shevaun

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