Panic Attack: What Exactly Is It - Panic Attacks

Panic Attack: What Exactly Is It

A panic attack describes an emotional condition which is often very disturbing and upsetting to the person experiencing it. Its symptoms include bouts of intensive and irrational distress, often accompanied by fear and anxiety.

Also, the symptoms can include a shortness of breath and shaking or trembling, which is worse when the attack first begins. A typical attack can last for up to half an hour, but this varies from person to person.

Low blood sugar is one cause of panic attacks

The intensity of such attacks can vary, but the more intense and severe ones will cause the sufferer a lot of fright which in turn can have longer lasting effects. The attack is generally very irrational though a factor that does seem to contribute to the onset of panic attack is low blood sugar. In fact, according to studies made on the subject of panic attacks it has been firmly established that there is a connection between this condition and puberty.

Not understanding what causes a panic attack isn't very reassuring to the sufferer; nevertheless, it is possible to take certain measures with which to manage a panic attack. For one, using different kinds of relaxation methods can help; medication and antidepressants are also helpful and widely used. The sad part is that no one single remedy has been proven to be most effective in all cases. The chances of suffering from panic attack though can certainly be reduced by lowering stress levels.

Another disturbing fact related to panic attack is that if the problem is not treated or ignored the attacks will last for many years. The good news is that panic attacks can be treated effectively and a patient will respond well to various types of treatments though the duration of the treatment will vary from person to person.

Some people will respond well to treatment only to go on to experience fresh bouts of panic attack when they become older. Others may be able to overcome their problem with a single treatment and that will be the end of it.

For those who suffer from panic attacks there is plenty of hope – bearing in mind that everyone is different – that an appropriate treatment will help them overcome the problem. Even if you happen to be suffering from anxiety panic attack you don't need to worry too much. By consulting a professional healthcare giver, you will get sound advice regarding the best treatment options as well as learn about steps that will help minimize the risk of future panic attacks.

Tags: panic attack
Published under Panic Attacks

3 Responses so far ↓

Lance
Dec 15, 2008 at 12:33 pm

This website helped me realize other people are experiencing the same things I am. Most people I have talked to think I should be able to overcome this with no professional help. It is obvious they have never experienced what a panic attack really is. I ignored mine for a year, thinking I could beat it, but they only got worse. After reading this, I have realized I am not alone. Thank you for putting this together.

Joann
Feb 26, 2009 at 3:22 am

I had a bout of panic attacks about 3 years ago while being treated for PND. It was debilitating and frightening. I worked with a fantastic psychologist and psychiatrist and was on medication. I managed to gain control and live a more normal life. In the last 6 months I have experienced extreme fatigue caused by many emotional and traumatic events over the last few years. 2 days ago I had a bad reaction to an energy drink (bad idea, I know, but I was so tired) and have been particularly anxious since then. A classic case of association and fear of fear. It is comforting to know that there are other people out there who experience the same thing. The sad things is that so many of these sites, want you to purchase something to help you and I often wonder how many of the ‘miracle cures’ actually work. Sometimes, just having access to the facts and others who are experiencing the same thing, makes dealing with panic, easier. Congratulations on offering a safe place, which so many of us need!

Laura
Jun 11, 2009 at 5:39 am

When my panic attacks started I had NO idea what was going on with me! I then started to see a pattern that a few different situations triggered my panic attacks. From here I was able to slowly but surely prepare myself when I saw these situations were coming. I still get panic attacks these days but now I know how to control them. I believe dealing with the attacks head on was much better than the side effects of medication.

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