subject: How To Exceed Panic Attacks Ignorance [print this page] According the American Psychological Association, panic attacks can affect every one in 75 adult Americans. The primary key to battling panic attacks is to have an understanding of what is happening. Being aware of the symptoms makes it easier to overcome.
When the "fight or flight" instinct kicks in, this can bring about random panic attacks, and the impact can be traumatizing. The range of symptoms can include difficult breathing, feeling as though you can't get enough air, tingling sensations in your fingers and toes, shaking, trembling, sweating, chest pains and being paralyzed by terror.
Panic attacks themselves are not dangerous-the danger is brought about by what someone can do when paralyzed by irrational fear, rather than fear itself. There is also a risk of experiencing anxiety or depression when not having an attack, because the patient may feel out of control, and may change their behavior. This could lead to their use of drinking or drugs in order to suppress this, while making the symptoms worse.
Those who suffer will try to alter their behavior to try an avoid situations that they know may trigger panic attacks. While this may prevent attacks from happening, it doesn't treat the underlying problem. Some doctors don't pick up on the symptoms, and prescribe drugs that treat symptoms without investigating the true nature of the cause. This will show you that it's important to understand these symptoms and ask questions about the treatment.
The question that patients invariably ask is "Is this treatable?" - The simple answer is YES. A number of behavior changing therapies are readily available to help overcome panic attacks, and in some cases drugs may also be used to initially lessen the symptoms during therapy. In the vast majority of cases, patients make a full recovery from Panic Disorder and go on to lead normal lives.
The key is asking for help. Trying to change your own behavior doesn't treat the root of the problem, and can make matters worse. An APS case study shows how an individual gave up a job paying $40,000 a year, taking a job paying $14,000 a year in order to avoid initiating a panic attack. This only led to financial hardship which made their condition worse. Once the patient was referred to a specialist, they were able to work through it and overcome the anxiety.
With medical and psychological conditions, it is best to discuss the situation with your general practitioner. Those who affirm that they are handicapped by a phobia, especially panic attacks with no verified cause should seek counsel from their physicians before undergoing any specific treatment. Your family practitioner can refer you to a specialist in the area that you need.
